It was the first Test of the three-match series and it was being billed as a contest between Tendulkar and Shane Warne – the best batsman in the world against the best spin bowler in the game. The Aussie leg spinner won the first round by having Tendulkar caught at slip for four in the first innings. In the second innings Tendulkar turned the tables – and how! He entered at a crucial stage for India 71 runs behind were 115 for two early on the fourth morning. Rahul Dravid and Md Azharuddin helped him to figure in century partnerships for the third and fourth wickets but it was Tendulkar’s masterly mauling of Warne that was the cynosure. He treated the Aussie spin wizard like a club bowler at the nets by repeatedly hitting him for fours and sixes. When Azharuddin declared at 418 for four Tendulkar was unbeaten with a glorious 155 for which he batted only 191 balls and hit 14 fours and four sixes while Warne had the ragged figures of one for 122 from 30 overs. The hunter had become the hunted and a demoralized Aussie side was all out for 168 leaving India victors by 179 runs. Tendulkar’s breathtaking display was the last word in attacking batsmanship.
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