Tendulkar dedicates ton to Mumbai victims

Sachin Tendulkar dedicated his brilliant century to the victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks after inspiring India to a stunning six-wicket victory in the opening Test against England.

Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar

The 35-year-old master batsman finished unbeaten on 103, the 41st century of his illustrious Test career, to help India reach their target of 387 for four with 20.3 overs of the final day remaining.

Asked whether this mattered more than any of his other hundreds, Tendulkar replied: "Yes, especially after what happened in Mumbai. By no means am I saying this will make everyone forget what happened in Mumbai, but I'd like to thank England for coming back and playing Test cricket and we've witnessed a wonderful Test match - people are enjoying cricket the way it's meant to be."

He added: "What happened in Mumbai was extremely unfortunate and I don't think by India winning or me scoring a hundred, people who have lost their loved ones will feel any better. It's a terrible loss for all of them and our hearts are with them, but whatever manner we can contribute to making them feel better we'll make that effort."

Tendulkar, who completed both his century and hit the winning runs by sweeping off-spinner Graeme Swann for his ninth four, stressed: "From my point of view I look at it as an attack on India, not just on Mumbai.

"It is an attack on India and it should hurt every Indian. It's not only for the people of Mumbai, it's for all of us. We're Indians and that is how I look at it and I'd like to dedicate this hundred to all the people who have gone through such terrible times."

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