Tendulkar fires India with 39th century

ADELAIDE, Australia -- Sachin Tendulkar responded to the occasion, stroking his 39th Test hundred for India in what will likely be his last Test in Australia.

At stumps, Tendulkar was 124 not out and India were 309 for five, batting first after captain Anil Kumble won the toss and chose to bat in the fourth Test.

The crowd at the Oval, eager but respectful, wanted one last chance to be entertained by one of the greatest batsmen of his generation.

Tendulkar has produced nine centuries in Tests against the hosts -- six on Australian soil -- and India, once again, had to look to the little master for rescue.

The 34-year-old went to the crease in a difficult moment, 10 minutes before lunch when Rahul Dravid was out for 18 and India were 82 for two.

Tendulkar showed his intent against recalled Brad Hogg, lofting the spinner for two sixes and scoring at better than a run a ball against him.

He reached his milestone in majestic style, hitting spinner Michael Clarke straight for six and then easing him through the covers from the next ball for his century.

Tendulkar had been at the crease for 198 minutes, faced 133 balls and hit nine fours and three sixes.

V.V.S Laxman helped steady the Indian innings when he joined Tendulkar at 156 for four on what appeared an excellent batting pitch, the pair adding 126 runs.

Laxman (51) had an escape when dropped by Adam Gilchrist, but the wicketkeeper had the final say when he later caught the Indian for his 412th dismissal in Test cricket.That left Gilchrist just one behind the record of South Africa's Mark Boucher.

Meanwhile, batsman Virender Sehwag continued to enjoy his recall with 63 as India, trailing 2-1, seek a 2-2 series draw. E-mail to a friend