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Tendulkar Dedicates Century To Mumbai Victims

Monday 15 December 2008

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has dedicated his match-winning century in the first Test against England in Chennai to those killed and affected by the Mumbai terror attacks.

Mumbai-born Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 103 as India reached 387 for the loss of four wickets to post the biggest successful run chase in the subcontinent and take a 1-0 series lead.

Tendulkar celebrates winning the match and reaching his century. © REUTERS / Action Images

"From my point of view I look at it as an attack on India, not on Mumbai. It is an attack on India and it should hurt every Indian, not only people from Mumbai," Tendulkar said in a news conference of the gunmen who killed 179 people.

"We are Indians and that is how I look at it. I would like to dedicate this hundred to all those people who have gone through such terrible times.

Tendulkar said that this hundred, his 41st in Tests, was one of his best.

"This is something that I wanted to do - score a hundred in the fourth innings and win a match for India," he added.

"I've scored a hundred in the second innings, but to actually win a match, play the winning shot, that was something I wanted to do. This makes it really, really special.

"It's something every batsman dreams of. I would rate this hundred as one of the best, for sure."

He went on to praise England, who returned to India after having returned home in the wake of the attacks in late November.

"I'd like to thank England for coming back to play test cricket. We've witnessed a wonderful test match. People are again enjoying cricket the way it's meant to be," he said.

"In no way am I trying to say that this will make everyone forget what happened in Mumbai," Tendulkar said.

"What happened in Mumbai was extremely unfortunate and I don't think by India winning or me scoring hundreds people who have lost their dear ones and loved ones would feel better.

"It's a terrible loss for all of them and our hearts are with them. All I can say is that in whatever way we can contribute to make them feel better we'll make that effort."

The second Test begins in Mohali on December 19th.