India vs England, 2nd test, Mumbai- Day 2
England 172-2 (Cook 87*, Pietersen 62*) trail India (Pujara 135, Panesar 5-129) by 149 runs
Alistair Cook defined the calm methodical approach that England used after knocking the remaining few Indian batsmen over. He batted with patience and poise and was well supported by Pietersen as England took control of the match. They did have their slices of luck though.
India had added 60 runs to their overnight total with all four wickets falling to spinners. Monty completed his task and picked up a 5-wicket haul while Swann got four in the inning. Cook and Nick Compton survived a large period of play by just blocking and taking the odd single or two. Eventually, Pragyan Ojha got one to spin and take the edge which was snaffled by Sehwag at slip. Jonathan Trott did not last too long as he was trapped lbw by Ojha in his next over. Pietersen came out with real positive intent and climbed into the bowling. He raced to his half century while Cook stayed unbeaten on 87.
The partnership between them wrested the initiative from the Indians but it came through a lot of balls that did not got to hand. There were a few edges dropping short of the slips and the Indian spinners would feel a little hard done by. Cook also survived a massive shout of Harbhajan just before stumps. Aleem Dar deemed it not out although replays showed the ball would probably have gone on to hit middle stump.
India would need some better luck tomorrow and would also have to bowl better lines and attack the Englishmen more. England know that they need to carry on the good work. Day 3 should be a fascinating one!
