India's Tendulkar becomes leading Test run-scorer

MOHALI, India (AFP) — Sachin Tendulkar of India overtook retired West Indian captain Brian Lara on Friday to become Test cricket's highest run-getter.

Tendulkar, 35, crossed Lara's tally of 11,953 runs from 131 Tests when he passed 15 on the first day of the second Test against Australia at the Punjab Cricket Association ground here.

Tendulkar, a veteran of 152 Tests, is already the world's top scorer in one-day internationals (16,361 runs), and has more Test (39) and one-day (42) centuries than any other batsman.

He is also the most senior active cricketer, having made his Test debut on November 15, 1989 against Pakistan in Karachi.

Tendulkar, who received warm applause from some 15,000 home fans when he walked in to bat at the fall of Rahul Dravid's wicket, needed an hour to score the 15 runs required to break the record.

He was stuck on four at the non-striker's end as Australia dismissed Gautam Gambhir and Venkatsai Laxman in quick succession.

As Sourav Ganguly took time to settle down, Tendulkar was stuck on 13 when the tea break was called with India on 174-4.

He reached the landmark off the first ball after resumption, gliding debutant pace bowler Peter Siddle for three runs to third man and raised his bat to acknowledge the cheers from the crowd and team-mates.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting shook hands with a visibly relieved Tendulkar, as did the other fielders.