NAGPUR, India, Nov 6 (Reuters) - A stunning 40th test century by Sachin Tendulkar enabled India to take early control of the final test against Australia on Thursday.
Tendulkar, the highest run scorer in test cricket, compiled 109 and put on 146 for the fourth wicket with Vangipurappu Laxman (64), playing in his 100th test, to help India close day one at 311 for five.
At the close, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (4) was at the crease with former captain Saurav Ganguly (27), who is playing in his final test.
Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson dismissed Tendulkar lbw with the second new ball after debutant off-spinner Jason Krejza took his third wicket when he pegged back the hosts by dismissing Laxman caught behind by Brad Haddin.
"Today I can also thank God," Tendulkar told a news conference referring to the three chances he had nearing his century.
"I think after Adelaide, I have played around six or seven matches. I know I am batting well, but I was not getting to the three-figure mark."
The 35-year-old Tendulkar had guided India out of trouble after Krejza took two quick wickets to put the brakes on after a blazing start by Virender Sehwag.
Sehwag hit a breezy 66 with nine fours and a six and put on 98 for the opening wicket with debutant Murali Vijay (33) after the hosts chose to bat.
India lead 1-0 in the four-match series after winning the second test at Mohali by a record 320 runs. The other tests were drawn.
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