Englands first innings at first day

England captain Andrew Flintoff won the toss and elected to bat on a good batting wicket as his decision was justified by the opening pair who put on 60 odd runs for the first wicket.

Andrew Strauss was the first one to go as he chased a wide delivery from Sreesanth to be only caught behind at slip by VVS Laxman.Ian Bell who was very uncomfortable in his short stay soon returned to the pavilion as he edged a delivery from Harbhajan to Dravid at first slip.


Pietersen the hero of Ashes who came at the fall of Bell’s wicket was very impressive in his short stay but he soon returned to the dressing room as he dragged on a delivery to his stumps.

Alastair Cook the Debutant who looked well set for a century was bowled by Irfan Pathan as he went for a big cover drive on off side. As England suffered a mini collapse at 136/4.

Collingwood and Flintoff who came at the fall of Cook’s wicket a showed some sensibility as they played some risk free cricket and added runs at a good pace as they were involved in a partnership of 67 runs with Flintoff contributing 43.

Jones was the next one to go as he was trapped in the front of the wicket by a sharp in swinger from Pathan.Blackwell was the last wicket to fall on the day as he was bowled by Pathan for 4 runs.