Then he and captain Saurav Ganguly hit the England attack around the ground in a record fourth-wicket stand of 249.

"You just wish those kinds of days would come more often than they do," said Tendulkar, who ended the day on an unbeaten 185.

But he dismissed any comparisons with Bradman.

"Statistically I have surpassed Sir Donald Bradman. But I don't think anyone can be compared to a player of his stature.

"He is not a normal person. To score a century in every third Test innings is something you cannot even dream of."

Tendulkar, who made history when he became Yorkshire's first overseas player 10 years ago, was also pleased to make a century at Headingley.

"To score a hundred on your home county ground is something special, and when it comes in a Test match, too, I am pretty happy about that.

"When I played for Yorkshire I was given standing ovations - so I am glad they are continuing all these years on."

India ended the day at 584-4 after a hitting an impressive 96 runs in 11 overs as the gloom fell.

Bowlers underachieve

Tendulkar explained that they had applied the pressure to put themselves in with a good chance of winning this Test and thus of ultimately clinching the four-match series.

"Towards the end, we decided we needed to go for big shots. The situation demanded some quick runs for us," he said.

England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart admitted that his bowlers had not performed on what should once again have been a favourable pitch.

"For the second day running we have not bowled anywhere near as well as we can or should," he said.

"But credit to India. They have batted exceptionally well, and Sachin Tendulkar has shown why he is the best player in the world."