Test cricket’s leading run-scorer Sachin Tendulkar has reached 38 not out against Australia who hold the upper hand at tea on day two of the first Test on Saturday.

India are 2-84 in reply to Australia’s first innings of 380 which included skipper Michael Clarke’s 130.

The 39-year-old Tendulkar came to the crease at 2-12 and has struck four boundaries while Cheteshwar Pujara is 33 not out.

Pace bowler James Pattinson struck in his second over with the new ball as Murali Vijay (10) inside-edged a full-length delivery timed at 150km/h onto his stumps.

In his next over Pattinson removed opener Virender Sehwag (two) who looked on in horror as his defensive push bounced up off the pitch and clipped the stumps on the way down.

It was a fairytale comeback for Pattinson, who is playing his first Test since November when he broke down with a side injury.

However the right-armer conceded three boundaries in four balls to Tendulkar and was taken off.

Tendulkar played no shot on 38 to a big-turning ball from offspinner Nathan Lyon but Australia’s confident lbw appeal was turned down.

However the tourists can be most pleased with their position in the match after five sessions of play on a crumbling Chennai pitch.

Australia had resumed on 7-316 and were bowled out for 380 at lunch after their tailenders showed plenty of fight.

Peter Siddle (19 in 111 minutes) and Clarke added 54 vital runs for Australia’s eighth wicket.

Clarke hit 12 fours and one six in a delightful display of what India batting great Sunil Gavaskar called “twinkling footwork” against the spinners.

Clarke had a lucky escape on 39 on Friday when a bat-pad chance from the bowling of offspinner Ravi Ashwin (7-103) was turned down by Sri Lanka umpire Kumar Dharmasena.

India’s strategy of not allowing the decision-review system in this series has hurt them already.