India still on top despite losing Tendulkar

LONDON, Aug 10 (Reuters) England dismissed India's master batsman Sachin Tendulkar 10 minutes before lunch today to rekindle hope of a series-equalling victory on the second day of the third and final test at The Oval.

India, needing only to avoid defeat to win their first test series in England for 21 years, went to lunch on 429 for six on the second day. England are attempting to protect an unbeaten home record stretching back to 2002.

Tendulkar was caught by Andrew Strauss at first slip off James Anderson for 82, after punishing wicketkeeper Matt Prior for dropping him the previous evening when on 20.

The dismissal scuppered his hopes of a 38th test century and a chance to extend his own record. The other wicket to fall in the morning was that of VVS Laxman, for 51. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was 33 not out with Anil Kumble on five.

Tendulkar and Laxman raised the tempo after resuming on 316 for four, especially Laxman who had struck eight boundaries on reaching his 29th test half-century in 65 balls. Anderson conceded 18 runs from his first three-over spell.

Scrutiny on Prior's glovework increased when he dropped Laxman on 41. The edge was heading to Strauss when Prior dived in front of him and tipped the ball to the boundary.

It was cruel luck on left-arm swing bowler Ryan Sidebottomm who was the hapless bowler when Tendulkar was dropped.

Laxman was eventually caught by Prior off Chris Tremlett, who managed to get the ball to bounce sharply outside off-stump.

England sensed another opportunity to pounce with India on 354 for four, but Dhoni, whose 76 not out saved the first test for India, came together with Tendulkar and took the tourists to a total that should soon be enough to ensure at least the draw they need.

Reuters BJR RS1902