29 Jul 2014

England remain on top

2:46 pm on 29 July 2014

Ian Bell returned to form in spectacular fashion with a superb 167 and debutant Jos Buttler also shone to help England strengthen their dominant position over India on the second day of the third cricket Test.

England, 1-0 down in the five-match series after losing at Lord's last week, declared on 569 for seven in their first innings after a quickfire 85 full of expansive strokes by new Test wicketkeeper Buttler.

India then staggered to 25 for one at stumps, James Anderson snaffling Shikhar Dhawan yet again, for six, with Alastair Cook taking the catch.

Bell recovered from a tentative start to exhibit trademark elegance, bringing up his first hundred in 26 innings by thumping Ravindra Jadeja down the ground for six before hitting the spinner for two more boundaries and another maximum in the same over.

Previously beleaguered England, who have not won in 10 Tests, will look to ram home their advantage on day three and try to avoid having to bat again if they can enforce a follow on.