Tendulkar ton puts India on top of Australia

Sachin Tendulkar improved his world record with his 40th test century as India took a marginal advantage over Australia after Thursday's opening day of the series-deciding fourth test.

Tendulkar's 109 from 188 balls was the fulcrum of India's 311-5 stumps score, which put the hosts in a good position to secure the result it needs to maintain or improve its current 1-0 series lead and take the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

He shared a 146-run partnership with V.V.S Laxman for the fourth wicket that steadied the innings after the top order lost three quick wickets shortly before lunch.

Tendulkar, who holds the world run-scoring record with 12,261, played …