Pietersen Spearheads England Recovery

Kevin Pietersen again displayed his typically aggressive nature to bolster England in the Mohali gloom at the second Test. His pugnacious 64 helped the tourists huff and puff their way to 163 for four when bad light made a decisive intervention.

On a day where play was delayed twice due to bad light, England never really found their rhythm: they lost both openers early and then, as they were gaining the ascendancy, they lost Pietersen for 64 just before play was called off for the day.

Pietersen’s innings proved the cornerstone of England’s innings, before he was well held by Munaf Patel, in his follow-through, shortly before umpires Simon Taufel and Darrell Hair offered the chance to retreat to the pavilion.

Earlier, Andrew Strauss brought about his own demise as he flashed flamboyantly at Irfan Pathan’s wide delivery and edged behind to wicketkeeper Mahendra Dhoni on 18. Pathan then got one to duck back at Alastair Cook to trap him lbw and leave England 36 for two in the 13th over.

For a time Ian Bell and Pietersen offered steely defiance, before Bell (38) was deceived by a Kumble googly that clipped his off-bail after he shaped to leave the delivery. Then, after another break for light, Pietersen completed his seven half-century in 10 Tests - before giving Patel his first wicket in the international arena.

Pietersen’s dismissal brought Andrew Flintoff to the crease, completing a hectic day for the stand-in England skipper. Wife Rachael last night gave birth to baby boy Corey. Flintoff chose to remain in India after replacing Michael Vaughan in charge rather than return home to witness the birth of his second child.