SACHIN TENDULKAR – 116, 1999

As every Indian fan knows, the 1999-00 Indian tour of Australia proved to be a total disaster under the leadership of Sachin Tendulkar.

India had lost the first Test at Adelaide by 285 runs and came into the second Test at MCG to save face and the series.

Australia batted first after Sachin won the toss and chose to field. Half-centuries from Michael Slater (91), Ponting and Gilchrist took Australia to 405. In reply, India kept losing wickets at an alarming rate, with the top three, VVS Laxman, S Ramesh, and Rahul Dravid falling for single-digit scores.

However, Sachin Tendulkar was playing solidly at one end and despite the loss of wickets at the other end, took the attack to Australian bowlers comprising of Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, Brett Lee, and Shane Warne.

Tendulkar scored 116 in 191 balls with 9 fours and 1 six, before being dismissed by Fleming. India made 238 runs in first innings. Australia scored 208/5d in their second innings, setting India 376 to win.

Tendulkar again stood out with a brilliant 52, but none of the other batsmen were able to handle the Australian bowling attack and were bowled out for 195 runs and lost the Test by 180 runs.