Sachin Tendulkar insisted he never lost faith in his ability during a run of poor form that ended with 220 not out against Australia in Sydney. The Indian batsman went into the game without a Test century since November 2002 but hit 30 fours and shared a stand of 353 with VVS Laxman.
"I knew a big innings was around the corner and it was just a matter of hanging in there," he said.
He has now scored 32 Test centuries, two fewer than Sunil Gavaskar's record.
"It's very relieving, especially when you've not had a good series," Tendulkar commented.
"It's not that I wasn't batting well, I was just missing out on one particular ball - instead of getting beaten I was nicking it."
India ended the second day's play on 650-5, and Australia will now need some equally inspired batting to revive skipper Steve Waugh's hopes of ending his Test career with a victory.
"This innings was particularly important because being Steve's last Test, he'll always be remembered," Tendulkar added.
 |  It's really satisfying to be getting runs against the best bowling attack in the world |
Laxman's 178 was equally important for the tourists, and he cited Waugh as one of his cricket heroes.
"I would like to dedicate this hundred to my parents, who have been a great source of inspiration for me. And also to Steve Waugh....watching him play always gave me a lot of pleasure."
He added: "It's always a great learning experience batting with Sachin.
"When you're at the non-strikers' end and you're watching the best batsman in the world play, it's an on-going learning process for me.
"Any overseas hundred is very special to me, and against Australia it definitely gives more satisfaction."
Despite the match situation, Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist insisted they had not given up hope, although the prospects of winning were now remote.
"It's just been a real challenge for us to try to find ways of getting these guys out. It's been tough work. it's been physically and mentally taxing," he said.
MMIX
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