Sachin Tendulkar had a disappointing outing on his comeback to competitive cricket. Opening the innings for India Seniors against India 'A' in the Challenger Trophy tournament in Mohali on Monday, he was dismissed after scoring only 12.
The 32-year-old batting ace was sidelined for six months after undergoing surgery in May for a persistent tennis elbow condition.
Tendulkar opened the innings along with Irfan Pathan, who faced the opening ball from paceman Laxmipathy Balaji. Despite his short stay at the wicket, during which he hit two fours, the little master was given a standing ovation as he walked back to the pavilion.
After flicking Balaji to square leg and then cutting him to point for boundaries, Tendulkar was caught behind off the same bowler after facing only 15 balls.
Venugopal Rao (98) and Ajit Agarkar (54) put together a 105-run seventh-wicket partnership to lift the team to a healthy total of 289 for 8.
Another notable contributor for the Seniors was southpaw Yuvraj Singh, who scored 50 from 65 balls.
India have a busy schedule ahead, starting with a one-day home series against Sri Lanka from October 25, followed by a one-day series against South Africa and three Tests against Sri Lanka.
They tour Pakistan in January before hosting England in March-April.
Before the match the three participating teams - India Seniors, India A and India B -- observed a minute's silence to mourn those who lost their lives in the earthquake that devastated large areas of Pakistan and India.
The Punjab Cricket Association, which is hosting the tournament, has decided to contribute to the relief fund for victims of the tragedy subject to clearances from the authorities.
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
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