Wankhede Stadium is expected to burst at its seams when Sachin Tendulkar walks out to take fresh guard on Friday morning. The 40-year-old genius will start at his overnight score of 38 as India start Day Two of the second Test against the West Indies at 157 for two wickets, just 25 runs adrift of the Caribbean first innings total of 182 all out. (Day 1 Report)A billion Indians will pray for the Master Blaster and many will have a sleepless night as Tendulkar fans want nothing less than a hundred in his farewell game. Tendulkar is playing his 200th Test and is a proud owner of a 100 international centuries. "Why not the 101st?" VVS Laxman told NDTV, adding: "He has shown the right intent and the body language to get a big score." Tendulkar has a record 51 Test centuries and 67 fifties ever since making his debut in 1989. (Highlights)
On Thursday, Tendulkar came in to bat with India at 77 for two wickets. Never have Wankhede fans 'celebrated' the fall of an Indian wicket when Murli Vijay was caught by Darren Sammy off Shane Shillingford's bowling for 43. This Test match is all about Tendulkar and fans gave him a thunderous ovation as the Caribbeans welcomed him to the middle with a guard of honour. The pleasantries over quickly, it was time for business as Tendulkar settled down and quickly started middling the ball on a Wankhede wicket that afforded both turn and bounce. The sound of leather meeting the sweet spots of the willow is the ultimate signal that gives confidence to a batsman and Tendulkar is no different. The initial hints of nerves soon transformed to confidence as Tendulkar quickly flashed a smile to say all was well. (Day 1 in Pics)
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