England in commanding position

Three centuries in English total

AFP, RAJKOT: Centurion Moeen Ali said patience was the key as England posted the highest score by a visiting team in nearly five years on the second day of the first Test against India on Thursday.
England's first innings score of 537 was built around Ali's 117 and an impressive 128 runs by Ben Stokes, who managed to banish memories of three ducks against India in his three previous innings.
India's openers responded with an unbeaten stand of 63 in the final session, the hosts trailing by 474 runs with all their wickets intact.
The stylish Joe Root (124) had notched up a century on the opening day to lay a solid foundation for England's middle-order batsmen at Rajkot's Saurashtra Cricket Association ground.
The day belonged to England's batsmen who made India work hard on an easy-paced track after captain Alastair Cook had elected to bat first.
India's bowlers struggled in the heat and grime, with top-ranked spinner Ravichandran Ashwin conceding 167 runs while taking just two wickets.
But left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was quick to spring to Ashwin's defence, saying any bowler can have an off-day.
But at least five dropped catches and some sloppy fielding underlined a miserable day for the Indians before their home fans.
Top-ranked India have won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 Tests at home since England sealed a historic 2-1 victory in Kolkata in 2012.
Although the tourists lost a succession of tailenders in the period immediately after lunch, Stokes stayed put to help England post their third highest total on Indian soil.
Stokes hit 13 fours and two sixes on route to his fourth ton in the longest format of the game.
England were on the attack in the morning session, hammering 139 runs while losing two wickets including that of Ali who was bowled by Mohammed Shami (2-65).

England in commanding position

Three centuries in English total

AFP, RAJKOT: Centurion Moeen Ali said patience was the key as England posted the highest score by a visiting team in nearly five years on the second day of the first Test against India on Thursday. Englands first innings score of 537 was built around Alis 117 and an impressive 128 runs by Ben Stokes, who managed to banish memories of three ducks against India in his three previous innings. Indias openers responded with an unbeaten stand of 63 in the final session, the hosts trailing by 474 runs with all their wickets intact. The stylish Joe Root (124) had notched up a century on the opening day to lay a solid foundation for Englands middle-order batsmen at Rajkots Saurashtra Cricket Association ground. The day belonged to Englands batsmen who made India work hard on an easy-paced track after captain Alastair Cook had elected to bat first. Indias bowlers struggled in the heat and grime, with top-ranked spinner Ravichandran Ashwin conceding 167 runs while taking just two wickets. But left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was quick to spring to Ashwins defence, saying any bowler can have an off-day. But at least five dropped catches and some sloppy fielding underlined a miserable day for the Indians before their home fans. Top-ranked India have won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 Tests at home since England sealed a historic 2-1 victory in Kolkata in 2012. Although the tourists lost a succession of tailenders in the period immediately after lunch, Stokes stayed put to help England post their third highest total on Indian soil. Stokes hit 13 fours and two sixes on route to his fourth ton in the longest format of the game. England were on the attack in the morning session, hammering 139 runs while losing two wickets including that of Ali who was bowled by Mohammed Shami (2-65).