Bad weather halted Englands march to victory as India, chasing a daunting
target of 380, were teetering on the brink at 282 for nine at tea on the fifth
and final day of the first cricket Test at Lord's here today.
Rains have been forecast for the afternoon and India would
certainly be happy to seek divine help in saving the first Test.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was waging a lone battle, remaining
unbeaten on 76, with last man Sreesanth on four at the other end when the umpires
offered them the light.
Dhoni has so far batted for 202 minutes, faced 159 balls and
hit 10 fours.
Chris Tremlett (3-52), Ryan Sidebottom (2-42),
James Anderson (2-83) and Monty Panesar (2-63) shared the spoils
for England.
India resumed the day at 137 for three with one eye on the
weather.
However, none of the batsmen apart from Dhoni and VVS Laxman
(39) displayed the willingness to stay at the wicket.
Dhoni and Laxman put on 86 runs for their sixth wicket stand
and defied England for 118 minutes.
However, once Laxman was bowled by Chris Tremlett, half an
hour after lunch, wickets tumbled quickly and defeat stared at India in the
face.
Dhoni then took the attack to the England bowlers, posting
his fifth Test half-century, and taking as much strike as possible to shield
the tail end batsmen.
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