KP proves a tough nut to crack

The Hampshire batsman produced one of his most determined innings (71 not out) in an 80-run partnership with Paul Collingwood (23no) as England reached tea on 232 for three.

England had started the day needing 500 to win but now look likely to lose the three-match npower Series 1-0 following their seven-wicket defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss had survived the first 12 overs of the day in forging a 79-run stand and seemed on course to claim their first century partnership in their 14th Test together as openers.

But they both fell in the space of 14 balls to put England in trouble, with Strauss falling to the fourth ball of the day from left-arm seamer Rudra Pratap Singh for a determined 32.

Attempting to drive off the back foot without moving his feet, Strauss edged low to VVS Laxman at second slip.

And just three overs later, Cook followed him back to the dressing room after falling into the trap deliberately set by India captain Rahul Dravid, who had placed two leg slips to exploit a weakness he has spotted in the Essex batsman.

Having been dropped twice at leg slip in the first innings, Cook was noticeably cautious initially but grew in confidence and whipped leg-spinner Anil Kumble through square leg for one of five boundaries in his 43.

Attempting a similar shot two overs later, this time Cook was outwitted by Kumble, who dropped the ball a little shorter and he edged low to give Laxman a second catch.

Captain Michael Vaughan was dismissed just eight runs short of his half-century and only 10 balls after a 10-minute break for bad light when he failed to move his feet and edged behind off seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth.