Tendulkar hits his fifth double century in tests

Sachin Tendulkar reached his fifth double century

Normal service resumed on the fourth day with bat dominating ball on a placid pitch after Sri Lanka's spinners had injected some life into the Test on the third. India all but ensured a draw as they closed in on the Sri Lankan first-innings score, with Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina adding to an exhaustive list of milestones achieved in this game. Tendulkar eased to his fifth double-century while Raina became only the second Indian batsman, after Virender Sehwag, to score a hundred on debut this decade.



That was evident in the positive approach adopted by Tendulkar and Raina at the outset. Tendulkar, who had been sparing in his treatment of fuller deliveries on day three, resumed his innings with a cover drive off Suraj Randiv. The seamers, while troubling Tendulkar occasionally with well-directed bouncers, were dealt with more harshly. Dammika Prasad, who struck Tendulkar on the helmet, was cracked for three fours through point, and Dilhara Fernando, who induced Tendulkar, yet again, to play an ill-executed upper cut, was at the receiving end of his trademark straight drive. He employed the sweep affectively against spin, and brought up his double with a paddle down to fine leg.