Strauss keeps England on course

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The Middlesex left-hander, who hit a determined 123 in the first innings, guided England out of a potentially perilous position on the third day - after they had claimed a crucial 75-run first-innings lead.

Strauss successfully nullified India's spin threat to help the tourists reach a comfortable 124 for three by late afternoon on the third day.

But England's progress had not always been smooth - with India claiming two wickets in six balls to remove Ian Bell and captain Kevin Pietersen and leave them reeling on 43 for three shortly before tea.

The tourists' troubles began with Alastair Cook edging Ishant Sharma behind in the ninth over - before India's spinners began to become influential by striking in successive overs.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra removed Ian Bell, who deflected a turning delivery to short-leg, and Yuvraj Singh's occasional left-arm orthodox won an lbw appeal against Pietersen with his first delivery.

Strauss also received a reprieve during a testing spell from Mishra when he edged behind on 15, but MS Dhoni was unable to take the catch standing up to the stumps.

But having survived that spell, Strauss and Paul Collingwood combined in an unbroken 81-run partnership which put England on course for a match-winning lead.