LONDON AFP: Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes scored the first fifties of the match as England recovered to build a significant first-innings lead in the second Test against India at Lord’s on Saturday after yet another top-order collapse.
England were 230 for five in reply to India’s meagre 107, a lead of 123 runs, at tea on the third day.
Bairstow was 62 not out and recalled all-rounder Woakes 55 not out.
Their unbroken sixth-wicket stand was so far worth 99 runs and all the more valuable for the fact that England had slumped to 89 for four on the stroke of lunch.
Play resumed with England, 1-0 up in a five-match series after their 31-run win at Edgbston last week, yet to bat.
India, following Thursday’s total washout, had batted under overcast skies and on a green-tinged pitch in an innings that lasted a mere 35.2 overs.
James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, took full advantage of the swing-friendly conditions with a return of five for 20.
By contrast, Saturday’s play started under sunny blue skies that promised to make life easier for the batsmen. But England’s batting has often proved fallible recently.
In 17 Tests since Joe Root became captain, England have been dismissed for under 300 in their first innings seven times.