England start well in quest for top spot
BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP) — England enjoyed an excellent opening day in the third Test against India as they pursued a win that would see them replace the tourists at the head of the ICC’s Test Championship table.
They closed on 84 without loss in reply to India’s modest first-innings 224, a deficit of 140 runs, at Edgbaston here yesterday.
England captain Andrew Strauss was 52 not out and fellow left-handed opener Alastair Cook 27 not out in front of a sell-out 25,000 crowd at Warwickshire’s headquarters, redeveloped at a cost of £32 million (US$52 million).
Their unbroken stand rounded off a good day for England, already 2-0 up, as they pursued a victory that see them take the four-match series and go to the top of the Test standings.
Strauss, in what was his best Test score this season, set the seal on a fine first day for England shortly before stumps by completing a 76-ball 50, including 10 fours.
