Melbourne, Dec 27: Having stopped Sachin Tendulkar from getting to his 100th international century for now, Australian vice-captain Brad Haddin today said his team would look to prevent the Indian icon from reaching the milestone for as long as possible.
"It will be a big occasion for the game if he scores his century but it is our job to ensure that it drags on as long as possible," Haddin said at the end of second day's of the opening Test on Tuesday.
Tendulkar, aiming for an elusive 100th international ton, was dismissed by Peter Siddle in the last over of the day, 27 runs short of what could have been a historical century.
"Tendulkar's wicket was very important. He is a great player and it was a special 70. It was good to see his back towards the end of the day," Haddin said.
India finished the second day of the first of the four-match Test rubber at a score of 214 for three in response to Australia's first innings total of 333 runs.
Rahul Dravid was unbeaten at 68 with night watchman Ishant Sharma (0) giving him company. Tendulkar's wicket in the dying moments of the day, however, gave Australia some hope of a comeback into the game.
The wicketkeeper-batsman said the hosts will look to wind-up the Indian innings as early as possible on Wednesday to claw their way back into the match.
"We will look to shut down the Indian innings tomorrow and try to create chances," he pointed. The cricketer avoided any comment on Dravid's dismissal off a no ball.
"It (DRS) is not being used so there is no point talking about it but the bottom line is it was a no ball and the batsman was not out," Haddin said when asked whether it was right to use technology in case of judging a no ball and not using it in its entirety.
Dravid was bowled by an incoming delivery from Siddle but was called back to the crease as the replays revealed that the bowler had overstepped.
