Tendulkar returns to action with a 91-ball 100

CAMBRIDGE: Sachin Tendulkar marked his comeback from shoulder surgery with a 91-ball 100 for Lashings World XI in a recreational match against Cambridge University XI at Fenners ground on Wednesday.

Tendulkar, who underwent the operation in March, opened the innings and was greeted to the crease with a loud cheer from a 1000-strong crowd.

He looked to be in good nick despite the long lay-off, negotiating the bowlers with ease.

His only alarm came when he was on 80 as he spooned a reverse sweep to short leg but the wicketkeeper was unable to cling on to the hard chance.

His 50 came up off 42 balls and he brought up his century with a push to mid-on for a single.

Before the start, Tendulkar had little to speak to the media, only saying that his shoulder was "getting better".

The Indian batting superstar is due to play five matches for Lashings, a charity fund-raising side that fields a number of former internationals.