Australia wraps up victory in second test

SYDNEY — Michael Clarke capped a landmark match with the bat by taking the vital wicket of Sachin Tendulkar as Australia sealed an emphatic innings and 68-run win over India with a day to spare in the second test.

Man-of-the-match Clarke, who scored an unbeaten triple century on day three, dismissed Tendulkar for 80 shortly after lunch Friday to spark the Indian batting collapse that propelled Australia toward a 2-0 series lead.

"It's a very nice wicket to have that's for sure," Clarke said. "To be able to get such a great player out is a very handy wicket so I was stoked with that."

Australia eventually bowled India out for 400 in its second innings shortly after tea to take an iron grip on the four-match series against the world's No. 2-ranked team.

"I think our execution was very good," Clarke said. "I'd like to give a lot of credit to our bowlers throughout this test match as well. I thought the way we bowled in the first innings set the test match up for us.

"To be able to take 10 wickets on a really flat wicket out there, they deserve a lot of credit. They continue to perform in any conditions which is very pleasing for us."

Tendulkar fell tantalizingly close to being the first player to post 100 international centuries.

The "Little Master" was caught by Mike Hussey after part-time spinner Clarke (1-22) found the outside edge which deflected off wicketkeeper Brad Haddin's shoulder to first slip.

Tendulkar had been in fine touch throughout the first session and reached his 50 off 89 balls midway through the morning. He appeared to be on target to score the milestone century that has eluded him for 21 innings since the cricket World Cup in March last year.

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