Openers dismissed early on

Starting on 56 without loss and facing an improbable target of 500 to preserve an unbeaten six-year record on home soil, the first-wicket pair endured a testing time in overcast conditions before both fell in quick succession.

Left-armer Rudra Pratap Singh got the breakthrough when Strauss fended off the back foot to provide an edge to VVS Laxman at second slip.

Having broken the 79-run alliance, India doubled their wicket tally for the morning when Laxman held a fine reaction catch at leg slip as wrist-spinner Anil Kumble accounted for Cook.

A draw at The Oval would keep Michael Vaughan's England in outright second place in the official Test rankings while defeat would give India a share of that position.

England set their stall out to prevent any early alarms rather than push for an historic triumph - West Indies' 418 for seven recorded against Australia in Antigua four years ago remains the highest successful chase in Test cricket.

Cook survived a strong appeal for lbw from seamer Shantha Sreesanth from the first ball of the day and the same bowler appealed for a catch behind against the same batsman in the third over.

There had been no addition to Strauss' overnight total of 23 when Zaheer Khan went up for another leg before shout, this time denied by the fact the ball made contact with pad outside off-stump.

England were no doubt hoping Cook and Strauss could finally break their long wait for a three-figure opening partnership at their 17th attempt.

But Strauss' departure introduced Vaughan to the action, the man whose brilliant rearguard hundred in the second Test threatened to deny India the victory which put them 1-0 up in the campaign. And he was joined by Kevin Pietersen, securer of the Ashes two years ago on this ground with 158.