Tendulkar leads solid batting performance

Cricket Australia Chairman's XI 6 for 398 (Robinson 143, Cooper 182*, Yadav 3-39) drew Indians 6 for 320 (Tendulkar 92, Laxman 57, Rohit 56*)

Rahul Dravid made 45 © Getty Images

The Indian batsmen, led by Sachin Tendulkar, began their tour of Australia with a strong performance on the second day of the tour match against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI, which ended in a draw in Canberra. After their bowlers struggled for impact on the opening day, the Indians replied with 6 for 320 before rain intervened to end the game.

Apart from Ajinkya Rahane, who was dismissed for 3, and Gautam Gambhir, who was edgy during his 35, the rest of the Indian top-order batsmen were in fluent touch. Tendulkar led the way, scoring a brisk 92 before retiring to give his team-mates time to practice. VVS Laxman and Rohit Sharma made half-centuries, while Rahul Dravid scored 45.

The batsmen scored at a fast clip on a flat pitch at the Manuka Oval, with Tendulkar's innings taking only 132 balls and containing 15 fours. He had a 133-run partnership with Laxman, who scored 57 off 76 balls, for the fourth wicket before both batsmen retired after tea. They had begun their stand after Dravid had been caught by the mid-off fielder off legspinner Cameron Boyce. Virat Kohli was the only other batsmen to fall cheaply. He was caught and bowled by Boyce for 1.

Rohit was unbeaten on 56 off 80 balls and Wriddhiman Saha was on 23 at the end of the game. © ESPN EMEA Ltd.