Boxing Day Test Memorable Moments #19 鈥 Tendulkar鈥檚 masterclass

In the lead in to the 2012 Boxing Day Test, Cricket Victoria is counting down the 20 most memorable moments from the MCG.

Named one of the seven wonders of the sporting world in 2009, the ‘G plays hosts to Victoria’s international schedule each year and the Boxing Day Test is the jewel in the international calendar.

For further information on this year’s international fixtures at the ‘G, click here.

It had been seven long years since Sachin Tendulkar had played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when he walked to the crease in the 1999 Boxing Day Test.

In that time, Tendulkar had risen from an 18-year-old destined for greatness to a titan of the game at the peak of his immense powers.

Prior to Boxing Day, the Little Master had enjoyed his best year in the Test arena, with four centuries, including a then career-best 217 against New Zealand, and the Victorian public were keen to see for themselves what the fuss was about.

Tendulkar did not disappoint, crafting a chanceless 116 against a world-class Australian attack in the first-innings as the rest of the Indian side crumbled around him.

After Australia had batted across seven rain-affected sessions in compiling 405 in their first dig, with Michael Slater top-scoring with 91, India finally made it to the crease just before lunch on day three, in front of a crowd of 23,127.

Tendulkar strode to the centre at 2-11 with debutant Brett Lee fired up after claiming a wicket with his fourth delivery in Test career.

The Indian maestro faced a barrage of bouncers from the ultra-accurate bowling of Glenn McGrath, while Victorian pair Shane Warne and Damien Fleming probed away.

After a conservative start, and with partners falling around him, Tendulkar upped the scoring rate in the final session, launching Warne, who had just picked up his 350^th Test wicket, into the Great Southern

Stand with an imperious off-drive.

He struck nine fours in his innings of 116 (191) as India surrendered for 238, Lee taking a five-wicket haul on debut.

Chasing 376 for victory in the second innings, Tendulkar, who was named man-of the-match, again top-scored with a half-century (52) before Warne picked trapped him in front as Australia went on to record a 180-run victory.

Watch the highlights of Tendulkar’s masterclass at http://cricvi.co/TeUjsi

Will you be there at the 2012 Boxing Day Test to see this year’s moment?

Book your tickets at http://cricvi.co/QdOzBY

Boxing Day Test Memorable Moments #20- Pattinson and Siddle lead the attack