Sachin Tendulkar produced an innings of rare genius to save India from having to follow-on against Australia on the third day of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday.

The Indian captain scored a defiant 116 to guide the tourists to 235 for nine in their first innings in reply to Australia's total of 405.

Tendulkar's 22nd Test hundred ensured the Australians would at least have to bat a second time although the home side were still firmly in control of the match thanks to a stunning display from Test debutante Brett Lee.

The 23-year-old fast bowler captured five wickets and scored 27 runs in a fairytale start to his Test career.

Lee contributed 27 to help Australia reach an imposing first innings score of 405 from 345-8.

His best, however, was still to come. Bowling first change, Lee became the first Australian in 22 years to take a wicket in his first over in Test cricket when he bowled Sadagopan Ramesh for four with his fourth delivery.

Lee also claimed the scalp of Rahul Dravid for nine in his first spell before returning to snare three wickets in six balls to finish the innings with five for 44 from 17 overs.