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Sachin Tendulkar celebrates after reaching his world-record 35th Test century, India v Sri Lanka, Delhi, December 10, 2005 Sachin Tendulkar created history by becoming the highest century-getter as India laid the foundation for a mammoth f irst innings total in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Feroze Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi on Saturday. Tendulkar cracked an unbeaten 100 for his record 35th hundred, the most in Test cricket, as India reached a strong 2 45 for three at stumps on the opening day. Tendulkar's seventh ton against the visitors saw him surpass former captain and compatriot Sunil Gavaskar's tally of 34 for most number of hundreds in the all-time centurions list. Sourav Ganguly was batting on 39 at the other end after playing the supporting role to Tendulkar to perfection. It was also Tendulkar's 125th Test appearance, again matching Gavaskar and the second highest for an Indian. Only Kapil Dev had played in more Tests, 131.

Tendulkar's innings helped India seize the initiative after skipper R ahul Dravid, suffering from illness, made a bold decision to open the innings in the absence of Virendra Sehwag who was down with a throat infection. Tendulkar reached his century with a single off Chaminda Vaas delivery.
His three figure mark came from 177 balls after 277 minutes at the crease, and contained 13 fours and a six. Tendulkar was somewhat circumspect in the initial phase of his innings and had to endure a testing spell of reverse swing bowling by Fernando. LiveIndia,com 10-12-2005.