Cricket: Sachin record.

CRICKET: Sachin Tendulkar became the most prolific batsman in Test history as he overhauled Brian Lara's record today.

The Indian sparked celebrations when he reached 16 shortly after tea on the first day of the Second Test against Australia in Mohali.

The 35-year-old, who made his debut in 1989, went past Lara's tally of 11,953 as India reached 177 for four.

Tendulkar, in partnership with Sourav Ganguly, was then looking to rebuild India's innings after Australia had undermined their strong start.

Three wickets just before tea had seen India slip from 146 for one to 163 for four, with Mitchell Johnson claiming three for 48.

Gautam Gambhir (67) and Virender Sehwag belted Australia's bowlers around the park early on, quickly amassing 70 runs for the first wicket, when Sehwag edged to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Rahul Dravid was the dominant partner in a 76-run stand with Gambhir before edging onto his leg stump off Brett Lee and Johnson dismissed Gambhir and VVS Laxman, both caught behind by Haddin.