Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvi studies the innings …

Sachin Tendulkar's unbeaten half-century is laying the platform for a commanding total in the second game of the Commonwealth Bank series final in Brisbane.

India, after winning the toss, has reached 1-121 in 25 overs with Tendulkar (65 not out) eyeing successive one-day centuries after his maiden one-day international ton in Australia brought about a six-wicket victory with 25 balls to spare on Sunday.

That win established the tourists' ascendancy in a best-of-three final series which Australia must win to force a decider in Adelaide on Friday.

However, the hosts' longevity in this season's Commonwealth Bank series rests on whether its five-pronged pace attack can outthink Tendulkar for the first time in the finals.

Allan Border Medallist Brett Lee worried him in the early stages while skipper Ricky Ponting grounded no more than a half-chance off Nathan Bracken with the Indian legend on seven.

But first change pair Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson faired worse after a steady Australian start.

Tendulkar dismissively flat-batted Clark down the ground for four to race past fellow opener Robin Uthappa (30) then attacked Johnson, the left-armer looking uncomfortable despite being back in familiar territory at the Gabba.

After returning 0-70 off 10 overs in Sydney, Johnson has fired down eight wides so far in his 0-33 off six.

A frustrated Clark (1-32) finally broke through in the 21st over with India 0-94. Uthappa miscued to James Hopes at mid off trying to play through the leg side.

But that only brought the dangerous Gautam Gambhir - the leading run-scorer in the tournament with an average of over 60 - to the crease.
Gambhir (15 not out) made a run-a-ball century against Sri Lanka at the same ground earlier in the series.

Retiring left-arm spinner Brad Hogg was named 12th man for Australia.