India's Tendulkar sets world mark for most test centuries

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar set a world record for most test hundreds yesterday, stroking his 35th century to surpass compatriot Sunil Gavaskar.

The 32-year-old Mumbai batsman reached the milestone on the opening day of the second test against Sri Lanka. The batsman spent tense moments on 99 before turning Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas to square leg for the all-important single.

An emotional Tendulkar punched the air in delight and raised his arms before looking skywards to say a silent prayer, wiping away a tear.

He was hugged by team mate Saurav Ganguly and congratulated by the Sri Lankan players with a crowd of over 20,000 giving him a standing ovation.

q Debutant Liam Plunkett took three wickets to guide England to a 42-run win over Pakistan in the first one-day international yesterday. It was the first major win of the tour for England, who bowled out Pakistan for 285 in 46.5 overs after posting a commanding 327 for four, batting first on a flat track. Plunkett and Andrew Flintoff took three wickets each as Pakistan lost their last five in 18 balls for just 23 runs after a strong start of 160 for two in 22 overs.