India are clawing their way back into the second cricket test against Sri Lanka, thanks to their ever-reliable batting hero Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar struck his 48th test century to move India within 61 runs of the follow-on mark on day three of the test match in Colombo.

India were 382-4 at stumps, in reply in Sri Lanka's mammoth 642-4 declared.

India was 243-4 at tea, before an unbeaten 141-run fifth wicket stand between Tendulkar and Suresh Raina. Tendulkar is unbeaten on 108, while Raina is 66 not out. Virender Sehwag was stumped for 99.

Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0 after their 10-wicket victory in Galle last week.