Tendulkar was brilliant

I have never seen Tendulkar play better. He lit up the drab surroundings like a beacon.

In a deliberate attempt to frustrate him, England bowled negatively with eight fielders on the off side.

This was too much for Tendulkar's ego to take - he had to overcome this ploy or word would have spread like wildfire that he is vulnerable to it.

So, as accurately as England's seamers bowled outside his off stump, Tendulkar disdainfully flicked them through mid-wicket for four.

It was a masterful display of batsmanship and, for a while, he threatened to take the game away from England.

But Nasser Hussain's bowlers plugged away manfully and after Tendulkar had driven a catch to mid-on for 103, VVS Laxman played a rather curious, dogged innings that handed the initiative back to the tourists.

He simply could not get going at all. Sehwag hit a six out of frustration before falling foul of a dubious lbw decision on 20 and, suddenly Giles took three wickets in successive overs.

Giles answered doubts about his fitness

It was the delivery that spun sharply and bowled Kumble that will concern India the most, and the left-arm spinner finished with five for 67, his best figures in Test cricket.

Now England have some batting to do.

The lead must be extended to at least 330, which would give Hussain the chance to set positive, attacking fields on the final day.

He will be concerned, though, by Tendulkar's form and this might lead him to delay his declaration.

One man should not create such uncertainty but, as we all know, Tendulkar is no ordinary mortal.

There could yet be a twist, and one that India's coach John Wright will present to his bowlers before play recommences on Friday.

If England are bowled out cheaply, this pitch is still sound enough for India to reach a target of, say, 250 to win on the final day, so there really is everything still to play for.