The fog has almost cleared and looks like it is going to be a good day. The fielders are walking out on to the field, all of them with their jumpers on. Bhuvi will start the proceedings. Cook to take first strike. Two slips in place.

George: "Can Somebody tell me why India are persisting with Gambhir,who is a liablity by all means..?? I know his odi stats are not as poor as tests in last year or so,but then India haven't played too many odi's in the last year.The way he is batting he looks like a number 9 who has been entrusted with opening the batting..!"

Rahul: "Nobody seems to be concerned about this...but who's going to open along with Gambhir...Rohit Sharma has failed badly before." We are as confused as you are. Maybe Bhuvneshwar. He can certainly swing.

"Again Droping Rahane for Rohit; i am not against Rohit.But Rahane Must be given atleast two complete series to play why we are making him feel insecure..Rums are only made under free comfort, " says Venky. Rums. Hmmm. This early?

Dootika Vats: "Rohit?! Are you serious? Apparently Pujara is the new Mr. India!" Yeah. Mr. India, that is why he remains invisible, right?

"Does it look like a late start? I mean should I stay awake or sleep?" It shouldn't be a late start Mayur. Please stay awake if you are a Jadeja - Dernbach contest fan.

Pitch: Pitch appears green (for now) and Paul Collingwood reckons it is bowl first pitch and the first 20 overs would be crucial.

The ball is likely to swing around in the heavy air, but Wasim Akram thinks the cold weather is harder on the bodies as bowlers never really are able to warm up fully. Fielders will have their own worries to keep their hands warm.

"Devashish guess you havent experienced chennai at 45," says San. "Been and brought up there and trust me it can be just cruel." But that was the point I was making San. The cold weather can be cruel on some. Ask R Ashwin. Even Virat Kohli, who is from these parts, is warming up with a heavy jacket and gloves on + sunglasses. Sunglasses!!! "Vanity can create a very cruel space for you if you don't know how to manage it," as said by the new age philosopher Lady Gaga.

0.1

Kumar to Cook, 1 run, pitches on legs and Cook goes back and flicks it to deep backward square for first runs

0.2

Kumar to Bell, 1 wide, a widish outswinger to start off against the right hander

0.2

Kumar to Bell, no run, a touch in but still wide of the crease, goes away from the batsman, left alone by Bell

0.3

Kumar to Bell, 1 run, fuller length closer to the stumps, swings away a touch, Bell comes half forward and plays it with an open face down to third man

0.4

Kumar to Cook, no run, pitches on short of length outside leg and then curves away, Cook defends on the back foot

0.5

Kumar to Cook, no run, and he gets it perfect this time, draws batsman forward with a length ball, and then moves it away from Cook's forward prod

0.6

Kumar to Cook, 1 wide, loses direction as he bowls this wide of off, it swings further away from Cook

0.6

Kumar to Cook, no run, not much bounce on this length ball pitched outside off, left alone by the batsman

Shami Ahmed to start off from the other end

1.1

Shami Ahmed to Bell, no run, length ball, pitches on off and goes straight on with the angle, hits the pads as Bell plays for the swing, the bowler appeals but that was probably missing leg

1.2

Shami Ahmed to Bell, 1 wide, 132 kph, bowls a fuller length but it goes down the leg side and is called a wide

1.2

Shami Ahmed to Bell, no run, short of length on off stump, not much movement this time, defended to off side off the back foot

1.3

Shami Ahmed to Bell, 1 run, lures Bell with a fuller ball on off stump, gets some away movement too. Bell doesn't come fully forward and outside edges the ball down to third-man

1.4

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, fuller delivery wide outside off to the left-hander, Cook watches it go all the way to the keeper

1.5

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, short of length on off stump line, defended to point off the back foot

1.6

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, length ball, pitches outside off and goes away with the angle, left alone by Cook

Rahul: "'Kumar to bowl' to 'Kumar to Cook', Kumar to Bell' and later on may be 'Kumar to Butler'!! Kumar changing a lot of professions here!! ;)"

2.1

Kumar to Bell, no run, short of length outside off, Bell stays on the back foot and defends it to cover

2.2

Kumar to Bell, no run, another back of length delivery, straightens after pitching outside off, defended off the back foot again

2.3

Kumar to Bell, no run, pushes it a bit further up, but it is wide outside off and Bell shoulders arms

2.4

Kumar to Bell, no run, in the channel outside off, straightens a touch, Bell comes forward and then lets it go

2.5

Kumar to Bell, no run, keeps persisting with that wide line outside off, it moves away after pitching too. Bell leaves it alone

2.6

Kumar to Bell, no run, length ball, closer to the off stump line, Bell stays on the back foot and covers the movement as he defends it to point

3.1

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, 136 kph, short of length on the middle, comes in a bit quicker on to Cook who is unable to get it away on the leg side. The inside edge hits the pads

3.2

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, another short of length delivery on off stump, Cook tries to cut it, but that comes quickly on to him and he manages to dab it to point

3.3

Shami Ahmed to Cook, FOUR, attempts a fuller length delivery on off but Cook responds with a gentle push through covers for a beautifully timed boundary

3.4

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, short of length outside off, Cook flashes at it but it goes just past the top-edge to the keeper

3.5

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, back of length on off and middle, defended back to the bowler off the back foot

3.6

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, length ball outside off, Cook stays in the crease and cracks it towards cover, but it goes straight to the fielder

4.1

Kumar to Bell, 1 leg bye, it is that big inswinger that Bhuvi has been dishing out recently. It hits the pads and everyone goes up in appeal, but that hit him just outside the line of off, and would have probably gone over the stumps

4.2

Kumar to Cook, no run, bowls one that leaves Cook after pitching on short of length, left alone

4.3

Kumar to Cook, no run, pitches outside leg and Cook gets beaten by the late away movement

4.4

Kumar to Cook, no run, length ball outside off, Cook stays in the crease and cuts it straight to point

Mr Marar: "Had Praveen Kumar been playing and opening the bowling with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, It would have been P Kumar and B Kumar alternatively.. Cricinfo might have found it difficult to put it on commentary, jus like Ajantha Mendis and Jeevan Mendis bowls repeatedly..."

4.5

Kumar to Cook, no run, fuller ball on the pads, appeared to be a touch slower. Cook tries to flick it on the on side but gets a leading edge towards point

4.6

Kumar to Cook, 1 leg bye, length ball on the pads again, Cook doesn't get any bat on it and the ball rolls to the right of the wicketkeeper

5.1

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, fuller length on off stump, Cook is slow to come forward but manages to drive it to the left of mid-on

5.2

Shami Ahmed to Cook, FOUR, it wasn't a short delivery, and it was outside off, but Cook stays back and pulls it over midwicket for the second boundary of the innings

5.3

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, length ball just outside off, well-judged by Cook who leaves it after spotting the line

5.4

Shami Ahmed to Cook, FOUR, he comes forward and times this through cover handsomely, not much effort by Cook in that shot but it speeds through the outfield

5.5

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, short of length outside off, punched to point off the back foot

Trevor Furtado: "Then Soon it would be kumar to root and kumar to tred well"

5.6

Shami Ahmed to Cook, FOUR, how did that get to the boundary! It appeared to be just a defensive push towards the leg side, but it splits the gap between mid-on and midwicket and races to the boundary easily

6.1

Kumar to Bell, FOUR, now Bell joins in and flicks a length delivery on his pads to the deep backward square leg boundary

6.2

Kumar to Bell, no run, length ball wide outside off, just goes inside the wide-marker. Bell leaves it alone

6.3

Kumar to Bell, FOUR, gets width with a length delivery, Bell stays in the crease and plays a well-timed square drive to the boundary

6.4

Kumar to Bell, no run, comes in to the batsman after pitching short of length, Bell tries to play it to the on side but gets a leading edge to the off

6.5

Kumar to Bell, no run, in the channel outside off, left alone easily

6.6

Kumar to Bell, no run, beats him with one that comes in with the angle and leaves him after pitching outside off stump

Ishant Sharma comes in early

7.1

I Sharma to Cook, no run, short of length outside off, cuts away from Cook who hangs his bat at that one and is lucky not to get an edge

7.2

I Sharma to Cook, no run, fuller length outside off, goes straight on with the angle, left alone by Cook

7.3

I Sharma to Cook, 1 run, short of length outside off, Cook stays on the back foot and steers the ball to third-man

Ravi Shastri thinks it's a master-stroke to bring in Rohit Sharma..

7.4

I Sharma to Bell, no run, good bounce for Ishant. It was pitched wide outside off, goes straight on, left alone by Bell

7.5

I Sharma to Bell, no run, length ball outside off, no movement for Ishant, Bell comes forward and after covering the line of the ball, leaves it alone

7.6

I Sharma to Bell, no run, fuller length ball on off stump, and the big inside edge saves Bell as he tries to drive it from the crease

8.1

Kumar to Cook, no run, short of length outside off, Cook cuts it hard and Raina at short cover point makes an important stop

8.2

Kumar to Cook, no run, on the pads and Cook punches it to the left of midwicket, is unable to beat the fielder

Gururajan: "Masterstroke for who? England? Can you ask Ravi please?"

8.3

Kumar to Cook, no run, this one cuts the batsman in half. It pitches on off stump and comes in to Cook who was looking to cut it

8.4

Kumar to Cook, FOUR, fuller delivery and Cook has been dispatching them easily. He does it again as he drives it with through cover for another boundary

8.5

Kumar to Cook, no run, length ball, pitched on leg stump and cuts away a bit, defended from the crease

8.6

Kumar to Cook, no run, short of length on off stump, Cook stands tall and punches it to the left of mid-off

abhishek: "Typical dhoni masterstrokes are visible only after it works in favor of India. Seriously was their any logic in ravi's comment." None whatsoever.

9.1

I Sharma to Bell, no run, short of length outside off, Bell stays out of line and lets it go through to the keeper

9.2

I Sharma to Bell, no run, beats him with a length ball on off stump. It came in with the angle and leaves the batsman after pitching.

9.3

I Sharma to Bell, no run, in the channel outside off, left alone easily

9.4

I Sharma to Bell, OUT, caught at third-man! Oh there comes a wicket! Bell, from nowhere, decides to give Ishant a charge and tries to hit it straight down the ground. But he doesn't really get to the pitch of the ball and it takes a healthy top-edge that goes high towards third-man where Bhuvi takes a well-judged catch

IR Bell c Kumar b I Sharma 10 (42m 25b 2x4 0x6) SR: 40.00

9.5

I Sharma to Cook, no run, fuller length delivery wide outside off, Cook doesn't bother with those ones, leaves it alone

9.6

I Sharma to Cook, no run, closer to the off stump line, Cook sees the length and the line and lets it go through

Dhoni standing up to Bhuvi as KP has come in. A lone slip in place too.

gav: "What?!?! Pujara averages only 18 in the IPL."

Jaya: "I find Ravi always in extensive praise and support for Dhoni. Is he looking for a comeback?"

10.1

Kumar to Pietersen, 1 bye, short of length delivery, gets up on the batsman, who gets beaten. Dhoni is unable to collect it cleanly

10.2

Kumar to Cook, no run, length ball, pitches on the middle and comes in a touch into the batsman, Cook stays on the crease and blocks it down the pitch

10.3

Kumar to Cook, no run, length ball outside off, moves away like a frisbee, left alone

10.4

Kumar to Cook, 2 runs, short of length on the pads, Cook covers the movement and punches it past midwicket. Pujara (the sub) runs around from deep square leg to cut it off

10.5

Kumar to Cook, no run, back of length on off, punched to mid-off off the back foot

10.6

Kumar to Cook, FOUR, another shot with not much flamboyance, but a lot of control. It was a fuller delivery on the middle stump and Cook just times it down the ground for a boundary.

11.1

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, short of length wide outside off, KP lets it go through

11.2

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, hits him on his thigh region ! KP in some pain immediately. The ball pitched on short of length outside off, but cut back sharply into the batsman. KP gets an inside edge and gets hit where it hurts the most

Second slip in place too now.

11.3

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, length ball outside off, goes straight on to the keeper. KP watches it go with expectant eyes.

11.4

I Sharma to Pietersen, 2 leg byes, how close was that! It was a fuller delivery outside off, it cut back into the batsman and hit him just outside the line of off. A good decision in the end. Ishant looked sure. Raina attempts a run out from second slip but gives away overthrows. KP tried to get into the crease with his hand and not his bat. Unsual. But effective

11.5

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, short of length ball on off stump, defended off the back foot

11.6

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, now beats him with a length ball outside off which leaves the batsman after pitching.

Ishant gives some batting advice to KP after that delivery.

12.1

Kumar to Cook, no run, 133 kph, back of length delivery on off, defended off the back foot

12.2

Kumar to Cook, no run, fuller length delivery on the stumps, driven down to mid-off

12.3

Kumar to Cook, 1 run, goes back to this short of length delivery on the pads and turns it to square leg for a single

12.4

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, fuller delivery outside off, defended off the front foot

12.5

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, length ball wide outside off, KP thinks about going after it but curbs his enthusiasm

12.6

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, short of length delivery outside off, punched on the up to mid-off

13.1

I Sharma to Cook, no run, back of length outside off, defended towards cover off the back foot

13.2

I Sharma to Cook, no run, was that a good leave or a midjudgement! The ball pitches on middle and off and cuts back into the batsman, who leaves it alone. It just goes over the top of off

13.3

I Sharma to Cook, no run, this one goes on straight with the angle, left alone easily

13.4

I Sharma to Cook, FOUR, short of length on the pads, Cook stays on the back foot and flicks it fine on the leg side. The fielder was square and he had no chance to cut it off

13.5

I Sharma to Cook, no run, short of length delivery outside off, left alone. It carries quite nicely to the keeper

13.6

I Sharma to Cook, no run, pushed a touch further up, but it is left alone again by the batsman

14.1

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, back of length delivery on off stump, KP stays right behind it and defends to the off

14.2

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, short of length outside off, the batsman leaves it alone

14.3

Kumar to Pietersen, 2 runs, fuller delivery on off, 133 kph, the batsman doesn't come fully forward and gets an inside edge towards square leg

14.4

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, beats him with one that leaves the batsman after pitching. KP, who is being forced to remain in the crease with the keeper standing up, hangs his bat at that one

14.5

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, another accurate delivery in the channel, defended towards cover off the back foot

14.6

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, length ball closer to the off stump line, pushed to cover off the front foot

John: "Good to see that, without Kieswetter, KP has picked up the mantle of playing out lots of dots."

Srini: "What ?? 4-2-5-1 ! Is this really Ishant Sharma? Why cannot he bowl this sort of spells consistently?"

15.1

I Sharma to Cook, no run, starts off after drinks with another accurate delivery on the stumps, Cook defends it back to the bowler

15.2

I Sharma to Cook, no run, length ball on off, Cook chooses to stay on the back foot and defends it to mid-off

15.3

I Sharma to Cook, no run, he stays rooted inside the crease to this short of length delivery and gets beaten as the ball leaves him after pitching.

15.4

I Sharma to Cook, no run, fuller length delivery on off, Cook takes a small step forward and punches it to mid-on

15.5

I Sharma to Cook, no run, another one that beats the batsman outside off. It pitches on a length around middle stump and leaves the batsman after pitching. Cook wasn't sure whether to go forward or back

15.6

I Sharma to Cook, 1 wide, down the leg side and is called a wide

shoeb: "@SRINI: if ishant bowls such spells consistently then he wont be ishant anymore :)"

15.6

I Sharma to Cook, FOUR, short ball and Cook reads the length quickly and swivels to play a cracking pull through deep square leg for a boundary

Shami Ahmed is back.

Predict the winner of this game, and a Slazenger bat could be all yours. This is for all you predictions enthusiasts.

16.1

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, no run, starts off with a length ball on off stump, KP gets behind the line of the ball and defends it solidly back to the bowler

16.2

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, no run, in the channel outside off, moves a touch away after pitching. KP comes forward and then shoulders arms

16.3

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, no run, he gets beaten outside off with one that cuts away from him after pitching on length outside off

16.4

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, no run, and another one. He stays in the crease and tries to play the length ball outside off away from his body, gets beaten

16.5

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, no run, now he brings it into the batsman. It is a short of length delivery on the middle stump, cuts into the batsman and he gets hit high on the thigh pads

16.6

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, 1 run, flicks it from outside off to deep square leg. That is more like the KP we know

Some spin now. It's Ashwin time.

suresh K: "59/1 of 17! Is it India bowling tightly on a Good pitch or England surviving well on a difficult pitch?" It's more of the first I think

17.1

Ashwin to Pietersen, 2 runs, flighted delivery outside off, KP cuts it to deep point and scampers back for a second

17.2

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off, no turn yet. Pushed to cover for a single

Round the wicket.

17.3

Ashwin to Cook, no run, fuller length delivery on off stump, Cook comes forward in defence

17.4

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, pushed through on off, Cook stays back and works it away towards midwicket

17.5

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, that was a powerful back foot punch but Rohit Sharma makes a good diving stop at cover

17.6

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flighted outside off, KP comes forward and pushes it down the ground towards long-on

Shami to continue bowling with a slip on.

A collection of the best cricket interviews you will ever read - Talking Cricket is available in India at a special price on Flipkart and Snapdeal.

18.1

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, 1 run, short of length outside off, KP goes back and attempts a back foot punch, but it hits the inside half and goes towards the right of mid-on

18.2

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, keeps it tight on off stump line, defended by Cook off the back foot

18.3

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, fuller length delivery on off stump, Cook comes forward positively in defence, gets a bit of inside edge as he plays that towards mid-on

18.4

Shami Ahmed to Cook, FOUR, short of length and on the pads, Cook stays back and just glances it fine to the boundary.

18.5

Shami Ahmed to Cook, no run, gets it back on the off stump line. Cook defends it off the back foot

18.6

Shami Ahmed to Cook, 1 run, length ball on the middle, the batsman comes forward and plays it towards midwicket from the inside half of his bat

19.1

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, pushed through on the pads, Cook stays back and turns it to deep square leg

19.2

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery on the middle, KP looks more confident now as he stylishly drives it to deep midwicket

19.3

Ashwin to Cook, no run, quicker delivery on the middle stump line, punched to midwicket off the back foot

19.4

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, flighted on off, Cook comes forward and pushes it to long on for a single

19.5

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flighted and slower, outside off, KP takes a big stride and places it in the gap at cover for a single

19.6

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, drifts on to the pads, the batsman takes a forward stride and glances it to the right of short fine leg

Bhuvi comes back into the attack.

Omkar: "Isn't Ishant Sharma now Isshannt Sharma. He did all that to seek good karma and you guys are still sticking with Ishant. Unfair on the poor lad who suggested that change" Really? When did this happen?

20.1

Kumar to Cook, no run, back of length outside off, Cook stays back and pushes it back to the bowler.

20.2

Kumar to Cook, no run, now beats the batsman with a short of length delivery which cuts away from Cook after pitching

20.3

Kumar to Cook, 1 run, short of length on the middle stump, the batsman stays back and plays it off his hips to deep backward square

Avi: "Strange similarity between the English and Australian innings today. Maybe Cook will do a Hughes."

20.4

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, 132 kph, length ball outside off, KP stays patient, defends

20.5

Kumar to Pietersen, 1 run, short of length outside off, KP drives it on the up, without much timing, to the left of mid-off and takes a quick single

20.6

Kumar to Cook, no run, appeal for lbw. Cook plays outside the line of a length delivery, but that didn't come back enough

21.1

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery on the middle stump, worked around towards backward square for a single

21.2

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, drifts on to the pads and Cook, who is forward, dabs it towards square leg

21.3

Ashwin to Pietersen, FOUR, flighted delivery and full on the middle, driven hard down the ground. More of a KP shot and long on had no chance to cut that off

21.4

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, spins in to the batsman, who punches that hard to off, but can't beat cover

21.5

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flighted outside off, KP comes forward and turns it to midwicket for a single

21.6

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, full and down the leg side, Cook tries to paddle but is not able to get it past the fielder at short fine leg

22.1

Kumar to Cook, no run, 133.6 kph, short of length delivery on off stump, comes in a touch into Cook who defends it towards cover off the back foot

22.2

Kumar to Cook, 1 run, on the middle stump line, Cook pushes it to the left of midwicket to bring up his fifty

Some solid boundaries in Cook's innings, but a lot of doughty defence too.

22.3

Kumar to Pietersen, 1 run, short of length outside off, KP tries to push it to cover but gets an inside edge to fine leg

22.4

Kumar to Cook, 1 run, back of length on off, Cook stays on the back foot and punches it to mid-on for a single

22.5

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, fuller delivery on off stump, KP comes forward and drives it to mid-on

22.6

Kumar to Pietersen, no run, comes in sharply after pitching, but KP defends it down the ground after watching it carefully

And that's the end of Bhuvi's spell. Excellent figures again.

23.1

Ashwin to Cook, no run, flighted delivery on off stump, Cook comes forward and defends it back to the bowler

23.2

Ashwin to Cook, no run, flatter outside off and Cook gets beaten as he stays on the back foot trying to steer the ball towards point, Dhoni fails to collect cleanly

23.3

Ashwin to Cook, no run, flighted on the off, pushed to cover point of the front foot

23.4

Ashwin to Cook, no run, more air outside off, Cook pushes it to extra cover off the front foot

23.5

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, goes down on his knee to play a sweep, but places it to the left of short fine leg

23.6

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery on off, KP goes back and punches it down the ground to long on

On public demand, Jadeja comes into the attack. He has a slip in for KP

24.1

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, bowls flat on the pads, driven to deep midwicket

No slip for Cook as Jadeja comes over the wicket.

24.2

Jadeja to Cook, 1 run, flatter outside off, Cook just dabs it on the on side and takes off for a quick single

24.3

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, on the pads to KP, the batsman comes forward and places it to the right of midwicket

24.4

Jadeja to Cook, no run, pushed through on off stump, Cook comes forward and pushes it to midwicket

24.5

Jadeja to Cook, FOUR, fuller and flighted outside off and Cook goes down on his knee quickly as he plays a powerful sweep to deep square leg. Rahane made a good diving stop at the boundary, but his hand was touching the rope

24.6

Jadeja to Cook, no run, beats him with one that goes straight on. Cook was playing for the turn

25.1

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery on off stump, KP stays back and punches it past the non-striker to long-on

25.2

Ashwin to Cook, FOUR, gets some turn outside off, but it was short and Cook smashes it hard through cover for a boundary. There was no one in the deep to cut it off

25.3

Ashwin to Cook, no run, flighted on off, Cook comes forward in defence

25.4

Ashwin to Cook, no run, more front foot defence, this time played towards cover

25.5

Ashwin to Cook, FOUR, spots the length early and goes back to cut it hard past point for another boundary

25.6

Ashwin to Cook, no run, flighted on the middle stump, Cook comes forward and defends that to the leg side

26.1

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery on middle and leg, pushed off the front foot to long on

26.2

Jadeja to Cook, 1 leg bye, quicker delivery outside off, Cook goes for a sweep but misses. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards the off side

26.3

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run, flighted on the pads, KP tries to drive it through on but gets a leading edge back to the bowler

26.4

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run, comes down now, but Jadeja pitches it short and hits the pads

26.5

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run, quicker delivery and hits KP on the pads, but was going down the leg side

26.6

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run, flighted outside off, hits the inside half of KP's bat as he comes forward in defence, goes towards midwicket

Ashwin comes over the wicket to Cook.

Mukunth: "With SRJ too among wickets, isn't Ashwin the weak link in this bowling attack? Adding to his woes, Ashwin is yet to produce a match-winning spell in ODIs... he's just bowled well in patches."

27.1

Ashwin to Cook, no run, flighted on off, pushed back to the bowler

27.2

Ashwin to Cook, no run, more flight by the bowler, the batsman comes forward and drives to mid-off

27.3

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, shorter delivery and Cook goes for a pull but is not able to find the gap, hits it to deep midwicket

27.4

Ashwin to Pietersen, FOUR, KP comes down the wicket and drives the quicker delivery to deep midwicket, where Ishant makes a mess of it. He was behind the ball, but it went through his legs to the boundary

27.5

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, comes forward to this flighted delivery and drives it to long on for a single

27.6

Ashwin to Cook, no run, pushed to midwicket off a flatter delivery

Bones: "India starting to leak runs...I am putting my money on England reaching 250+ if they don't get run over by a truck"

28.1

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, pushes this one through on the stumps, but the shorter length allows KP to go back and cut it to deep point

28.2

Jadeja to Cook, no run, quicker on the middle stump, the batsman plays it from the crease to midwicket

28.3

Jadeja to Cook, 1 run, fuller delivery outside off and Cook goes for a sweep shot, but Kohli at short fine makes a good stop

28.4

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run, some turn finally for Jadeja and he beats KP with that one as the batsman reaches out to meet the ball

28.5

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, pushed to the off side off the front foot for a single

28.6

Jadeja to Cook, no run, quicker delivery on off, punched back to the bowler

Harbhajan: "Ashwin, where is your mystery carrom ball ?"

KP pulls out late and the ball hits the stumps. It is called a dead ball.

29.1

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, he jumps out of the crease and plays this flat delivery on the pads in the air towards long on

29.2

Ashwin to Cook, 2 runs, short and on the pads, Cook waits and pulls it behind square for a couple of runs

29.3

Ashwin to Cook, 1 run, flighted on the middle stump, Cook comes forward and places it towards square leg for a single

29.4

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, pushed through on the middle and leg, KP waits and defends it to the leg side

29.5

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, flatter delivery outside off, comes a bit a quicker, pushed back to the bowler

29.6

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, flighted on off, KP pushes it towards the non-striker, but Ashwin makes a good diving stop

Paul George: "Laying down platform for Samit Patel"

30.1

Jadeja to Cook, 1 run, he goes for a premeditated sweep from outside off and gets a top-edge but fortunately for him, it drops safely in front of deep backward square leg

30.2

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, flatter delivery outside off, KP goes back and punches it to deep cover

30.3

Jadeja to Cook, no run, flighted on off stump, Cook defends it off the front foot towards midwicket

30.4

Jadeja to Cook, 1 run, now Cook comes down the track, but Jadeja bowls it quicker and Cook manages to just chip it in the air towards long-on.

30.5

Jadeja to Pietersen, 2 runs, fuller delivery, it is driven hard towards midwicket where the fielder makes a half-stop

30.6

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, punched off the back foot to long-off

31.1

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, pushed through on the middle, punched off the back foot to long on

Shailesh: "Cook doesnt trust his lower order and wanna give his bowlers atleast some chance... even if its 30-40 runs less than par score on this pitch..."

31.2

Ashwin to Cook, no run, on the pads and Cook glances it fine, but Jadeja at short fine leg cuts it off

31.3

Ashwin to Cook, FOUR, flighted outside leg stump and Cook gets on top of that, sweeps it fine past short fine leg for a boundary

31.4

Ashwin to Cook, no run, short ball outside off, cut hard towards point where Ishant makes a diving stop to prevent runs

31.5

Ashwin to Cook, OUT, quicker delivery, wraps Cook on the pads and he is given out. Cook can consider himself unlucky as that pitched comfortably outside the leg stump line. It didn't turn as much as he expected, played outside the line and was hit in the front of the middle stump. But that's a bad decision by the umpire.

AN Cook lbw b Ashwin 76 (134m 106b 13x4 0x6) SR: 71.69

Morgan comes in. Ashwin goes round the wicket with a slip in place.

And from nowhere, Ashwin has a wicket. Cook appeared in complete control till he got out.

31.6

Ashwin to Morgan, no run, flighted outside off and Morgan goes for the sweep straightaway but misses and is hit on the pads

32.1

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, he stays back and punches the ball to long-off

32.2

Jadeja to Morgan, 1 run, turns into Morgan after pitching outside off, the batsman comes forward and dabs it towards the leg side

32.3

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run

32.4

Jadeja to Pietersen, no run, defended to midwicket off a flatter delivery

32.5

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, goes back spotting the length is a little short, pushes it to long off for a single

32.6

Jadeja to Morgan, 1 run, played towards covers off one wide outside off

33.1

Ashwin to Morgan, 1 run, quicker delivery on the off stump, the batsman drops it towards cover and sets off for a quick single

33.2

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, flatter delivery outside off, KP waits on the back foot and defends it back to the bowler

33.3

Ashwin to Pietersen, no run, flighted on off, KP comes forward to drive it towards the leg side, plays it straight to midwicket

33.4

Ashwin to Pietersen, 1 run, turns this one from middle towards square leg for a single

33.5

Ashwin to Morgan, no run, flatter delivery, Morgan tries to cut it late but plays it straight down to short third man

33.6

Ashwin to Morgan, OUT, caught at long-on! A nothing shot from Morgan! It was a fuller ball and he tries to chip it over mid-on but gets a leading edge. Yuvraj has all the time to run a few paces backwards and take a comfortable catch. From nowhere, India has two wickets now.

EJG Morgan c Yuvraj Singh b Ashwin 3 (8m 6b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00

34.1

Jadeja to Patel, no run, flat and quick on the stumps, defended back to the bowler

34.2

Jadeja to Patel, no run, pushed further up to the batsman, he defends it on the front foot

34.3

Jadeja to Patel, no run, defended towards cover off the front foot

34.4

Jadeja to Patel, no run, pushed back to the bowler, and Jadeja makes a diving stop

34.5

Jadeja to Patel, no run, defended towards cover off the front foot

34.6

Jadeja to Patel, no run, stays in the crease and defends it back to the bowler

Time for Powerplay.

robert: "The fall of wickets is being mirrored in the Aus v SL game. Spooky!"

Ashwin: "Hi Bajji, just got 2 in 2 - are you cheering from the stands, hope to see you after the game." Though one was with umpire Asnani's help.

35.1

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, plays this short of length delivery outside off on the up, straight to mid-off

35.2

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, decides to charge and play the length delivery wide of off towards leg side, misses completely

35.3

I Sharma to Pietersen, 2 runs, length ball with some width, this time he stays in the crease and square drives it to deep cover for a single

35.4

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, another loose shot and he gets beaten by the ball that came in to him and goes over the top of the middle.

35.5

I Sharma to Pietersen, 1 run, length ball on off, KP tries to play it to off without feet movement but inside edges it to midwicket

35.6

I Sharma to Patel, 1 run, stays on the back foot and steers this delivery outside off to third-man

36.1

Jadeja to Patel, no run, pushed up to the batsman, Samit defends off the front foot

36.2

Jadeja to Patel, no run, dabs it to the off side and thinks of a single, but is sent back

36.3

Jadeja to Patel, OUT, flighted delivery on the middle and leg, and of all the places he could have driven this to, Samit drives it straight back to the bowler who accepts the catch gleefully.

SR Patel c & b Jadeja 1 (9m 10b 0x4 0x6) SR: 10.00

Joe Root comes in.

36.4

Jadeja to Root, no run, goes forward in defence to a full delivery

36.5

Jadeja to Root, no run, flatter delivery on off, Root takes a positive stride to place it towards off side

36.6

Jadeja to Root, no run, spots the length and goes back immediately, defends it to off side

37.1

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, length ball wide outside off, KP drives it on the up, but gets a toe-end towards cover

37.2

I Sharma to Pietersen, 1 run, short of length outside off, KP goes for a drive on the up but outside edges it to third-man

37.3

I Sharma to Root, FOUR, dropped at first slip by Virat! The fielder was just moved in before the ball. Root played a loose drive and edged it to the left of Kohli, who decides to go with one hand rather than two and drops it.

37.4

I Sharma to Root, no run, beats him now with a short of length delivery outside off. Root didn't cover the line of the ball completely

37.5

I Sharma to Root, 1 run, length ball outside off, Root comes forward and outside-edges it to third-man

37.6

I Sharma to Pietersen, 1 run, he pulls out a special, but just for a single. It was a full ball outside off and KP plays a wristy drive that is well timed too. But he is unable to beat mid-on

38.1

Jadeja to Pietersen, 1 run, gets some width with this flatter one, and drives it hard towards cover where Raina makes a half-stop

38.2

Jadeja to Root, FOUR, on the middle stump line, Root spots that and sweeps it fine to deep backward square leg boundary

38.3

Jadeja to Root, no run, front foot defence by the batsman this time

38.4

Jadeja to Root, no run, flatter delivery on off, defended back to the bowler

38.5

Jadeja to Root, no run, pushed up to the batsman who comes forward and drives it to cover

38.6

Jadeja to Root, no run, quicker and shorter, on the stumps, Root stays back and defends it. The ball stays a touch low

39.1

I Sharma to Pietersen, no run, he is getting consistent seam movement today. This one cuts away from a length outside off and beats KP as he tries to drive it to the on side

39.2

I Sharma to Pietersen, 1 run, fuller length, driven to mid-on, Raina has a shy at the stumps, he hits but the ball ricochets to the off side allowing a single

39.3

I Sharma to Root, no run, length ball on off stump, Root watches that closely and defends it towards point

Kamran: "It's amazing how a side which shows so much discipline over 150 overs day in and day out can repeatedly fail to show any over 50 overs."

39.4

I Sharma to Root, no run, length ball on off, Root gets solidly behind that one to play it towards cover

39.5

I Sharma to Root, 2 runs, fuller length but Root gets some width this time, he comes forward and drives it to deep point for a couple

neill: "can Dhoni swap sides for 10 overs please?"

39.6

I Sharma to Root, no run, fuller length, angling in to the batsman, Root drives it straight to midwicket

Suresh Raina into the attack.

James: "I can only assume England stick with their powerplay policy (always take after 35 overs) because they are so obviously successful at it. Scoring at almost 4 an over!"

40.1

Raina to Pietersen, 1 run, pushed through on the pads, KP waits on the back foot and turns it to deep square leg for a single

40.2

Raina to Root, 1 run, gives it some air, but it is honing on the leg line, Root drives it towards deep midwicket

40.3

Raina to Pietersen, 1 leg bye, an appeal for lbw as Raina fires this one in on the leg stump. KP tried to smear it to square leg, and gets hit on the pads, it was missing leg easily

40.4

Raina to Root, no run, attempts a reverse sweep but is unable to make a connection

40.5

Raina to Root, 1 run, gets it right this time, but his reverse sweep goes to the right of short third man and Ishant makes a good stop

40.6

Raina to Pietersen, no run, on the middle stump, driven to midwicket

Shami Ahmed comes back

martin: "Why all the criticism of England's plans? It was working perfectly till Cook got sawn off. That decision will probably cost us 40 runs."

41.1

Shami Ahmed to Root, FOUR, it was a length ball outside off, but Root took a couple of steps forward to get to the pitch, drives it beautifully through the gap at extra cover

Slip has been taken out in appreciation of that shot.

41.2

Shami Ahmed to Root, no run, length ball outside off, defended towards point off the front foot

41.3

Shami Ahmed to Root, no run, short of length outside off, Root goes right back to defend that to the off side

41.4

Shami Ahmed to Root, 2 runs, another short of length delivery outside off, Root opens the face and plays it past point for a couple easily

Tickles: "All the criticism because decisions happen but England cannot depend on one man after he has done his part already. Middle order needs to do better."

41.5

Shami Ahmed to Root, no run, length ball outside off, Root comes forward a touch early and inside edges the ball on to his pads

41.6

Shami Ahmed to Root, 1 run, fuller length delivery on the off, it is driven hard to mid-on and the batsmen set off for a single. Raina takes ages to get rid of the ball, otherwise it could have been interesting

Tim: "@Martin, if Cook was your whole plan where is plan B? It's not working and you can't put all your money on one player"

42.1

Raina to Root, 1 run, he comes down to the track to this flatter delivery on the middle and leg, pushes is to long-on

42.2

Raina to Pietersen, 1 leg bye, fires this one down the leg side as he sees KP jump out, but KP manages to stick his left leg out to get some pad on it and deflect the ball

42.3

Raina to Root, 1 run

42.4

Raina to Pietersen, no run, quicker delivery on off, driven back to the bowler

42.5

Raina to Pietersen, FOUR, shorter length delivery outside off, KP tries to open the face to play it towards covers but the ball takes an outside edge and runs down to the boundary

42.6

Raina to Pietersen, 1 run, fuller delivery, he takes a step down the pitch and drives it hard to long-off

Kanishka: "Must say that all the local umpires, whether it be Umpires Ravi, Kulkarni or Asnani have made blunders. Can't hope to progress to the elite panel at this rate"

43.1

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, FOUR, bludgeons this one past mid-off, it was short of length wide outside off and he throws a hammer at that one. Ishant tries to stop that one, but it just bounces before him and runs down to the boundary

43.2

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, 1 run, similar delivery, he plays a similar shot but with less timing. The mid-off has been pushed to long-off

43.3

Shami Ahmed to Root, 1 run, fuller delivery on off stump, Root shovels it to the leg side for a single

43.4

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, 1 run, he tries the tennis forehand now off a short delivery and the ball takes a top edge, falls safely between mid-on and deep midwicket

43.5

Shami Ahmed to Root, 1 run, waits in the crease for this length ball outside off and opens the face to run it down to third man

43.6

Shami Ahmed to Pietersen, FOUR, fuller length delivery, he moves his front foot out and smashes it past mid-on for another boundary.

KP has pressed on the gas after getting to his fifty. Ashwin comes in now.

44.1

Ashwin to Root, SIX, flighted delivery on off stump and Root picks it up from there and sends it flying over the deep midwicket boundary for the first six of the match

44.2

Ashwin to Root, no run, flighted on the pads, he pushes it to midwicket off the front foot

44.3

Ashwin to Root, 2 runs, on the middle and leg line, Root quickly readies himself for the sweep and places it fine to deep backward square leg

44.4

Ashwin to Root, FOUR, gets a short ball outside off and he takes full advantage, punches it hard through cover for another boundary

44.5

Ashwin to Root, 1 run, flighted delivery on off stump, driven to deep midwicket for a single

Roy Ansil: "By bringing Ashwin at this stage surely Dhoni wants the score to pass 250 very soon, its like throwing a burning matchstick over a bundle of crackers"

44.6

Ashwin to Pietersen, FOUR, the mid-off was up and Ashwin's paused delivery is sent over the fielder for yet another boundary. This time by KP

Ishant comes in now. Mid-off is up and so is short-fine leg.

Oliver Jones: "I am startled that Pietersen's average is only 42. Despite so many brilliant innings, it shows how much of his talent has been wasted. He could have been the best ODI batsman of his generation, but he's squandered so much of it. Admittedly, he's got a better average than Ponting, Lara, Inzamam, Ganguly, Chanderpaul , Symonds, Gilchrist and a lot of other players, but he could have been in the top 10 all time ODI averages. Perhaps I'm being extremely harsh, but he should be averaging much closer to 50."

45.1

I Sharma to Root, FOUR, he gets a full delivery and obliges by playing a scoop shot over the short fine fielder for more runs

Ishant's figures under threat. Short fine has been sent back, Mid-on comes in

45.2

I Sharma to Root, 1 run, good yorker aimed at the middle stump, Root blocks it out towards the off side and takes a single

45.3

I Sharma to Pietersen, FOUR, gets a half-volley and smashes it over the infield to send this down to the extra-cover boundary

45.4

I Sharma to Pietersen, SIX, BOOM!! length or no length, it was going out! Sends this one into the crowd with a muscular hit to deep midwicket

45.5

I Sharma to Pietersen, OUT, gets his yorker right finally and takes out the middle stump. Not much emotion from the bowler. KP was looking for hitting it over the cover boundary and was in no mood to block. He misses and loses his wicket.

KP Pietersen b I Sharma 76 (150m 93b 7x4 1x6) SR: 81.72

45.6

I Sharma to Buttler, 1 run, length ball on off and the batsman drops it towards point off the back foot and takes a single

Jadeja into the attack

Joey Spiggs: "@Oliver, thats a good point and i also think it applies to his test career. however, his batting style is flamboyance mixed with arrogance, so there will be times where he will fail and it will be seen as him throwing away his wicket. his career has been excellent but, as you said, he could be better"

46.1

Jadeja to Buttler, 1 run, fuller delivery on the middle stump, the batsman drives it to long off for a single

46.2

Jadeja to Root, no run, length on the middle stump, Root shovels it to the leg side but can't beat midwicket

46.3

Jadeja to Root, 1 run, Raina drops a dolly! Root went for another shovel shot and got a top-edge that went tamely towards Raina, who got under it. The ball just popped out in the end.

46.4

Jadeja to Buttler, 1 leg bye, goes off the pads to square leg region

46.5

Jadeja to Root, no run, flat and straight, driven back to the bowler

46.6

Jadeja to Root, no run, defended back to the bowler off the front foot

47.1

I Sharma to Buttler, no run, short of length delivery on off stump, the batsman is unable to get it away and plays it back to the bowler

47.2

I Sharma to Buttler, 1 run, yorker on the leg stump, the batsman blocks it out to mid-on

Third man comes in the circle. Mid-on goes back

47.3

I Sharma to Root, FOUR, how well was that played. Root turns around and plays a reverse scoop to a low full-toss, through third-man

47.4

I Sharma to Root, 1 run, attempts the shot again, but is not able to get under it completely as it is a slower ball, plays it to short third man ans the batsmen scamper for a single

47.5

I Sharma to Buttler, 1 run, driven to deep midwicket off a length delivery on the pads

47.6

I Sharma to Root, no run, comes down the track and turns Ishant's attempted yorker to a low full-toss, but is unable to take advantage as he plays it straight to square leg

Nikhil: "Ishant Sharma kept his promise of economy rate... "We shouldn't speculate his talents from the first few overs""

48.1

Jadeja to Buttler, SIX, makes room by moving outside leg and smashes this flat delivery over the sight screen.

48.2

Jadeja to Buttler, FOUR, does that again, sends it over midwicket this time as Jadeja had followed him with that ball

48.3

Jadeja to Buttler, OUT, caught at point! Third time unlucky. He makes room again, but instead of following him, the bowler fires it wide outside off. Buttler had to stretch to get to the ball and in the end, he manages a tame top-edge to the fielder at point

JC Buttler c Yuvraj Singh b Jadeja 14 (12m 9b 1x4 1x6) SR: 155.55

48.4

Jadeja to Bresnan, no run, quicker delivery wide outside off, Bresnan hits it hard but straight to extra cover

48.5

Jadeja to Bresnan, OUT, caught at point! Another one for Jadeja. It was a flatter, quicker delivery outside off and Bresnan went for a cut, he got a top-edge and the ball floats to the hands of the point fielder, much in the same way as Buttler a while ago

TT Bresnan c Yuvraj Singh b Jadeja 0 (1m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

prashanth sekhar: "Thy who sinned by smacking around Sir RJ shall Perish in Deep --- Cricbible 12:88"

48.6

Jadeja to Tredwell, 1 run, fuller delivery on the pads from over the wicket, it is driven down to long-on

49.1

Shami Ahmed to Tredwell, 1 run, makes room by moving outside leg and smashes the length ball over the infield to deep cover

49.2

Shami Ahmed to Root, FOUR, he gets to his fifty with a boundary. He came down the track and pulled this short delivery to deep square leg

49.3

Shami Ahmed to Root, FOUR, he charges down the track and hits it past the bowler for yet another boundary

Dhoni taking some time to set the fields. Short fine has gone back. Third man is in.

49.4

Shami Ahmed to Root, 1 run, he bowls a good yorker which is blocked back to him, he gathers the ball and has a shy at the non-strikers, but misses and allows an overthrow

49.5

Shami Ahmed to Tredwell, FOUR, he makes room by moving outside leg and crunches this length delivery past point for more runs, goes all the way to the boundary

RJ: "Hats of to Root...Kohli will be kicking himself for not taking the slip catch..."

Gaurav: "All baby face cricketers are doing wonders in field, high time to call back Sir Piyush Chawla."

49.6

Shami Ahmed to Tredwell, 1 bye, bowls a good yorker, which the batsman misses but runs for byes anyway

So England scored 100 off the last 10 overs to finish off the innings on a high note. The platform was set by a solid half-century by Alastair Cook and a patient innings by KP, but post Cook's dismissal, KP changed gears and injected some momentum into the innings. It was not all KP though as Joe Root provided the much needed muscle towards the end and completed his first fifty in ODI cricket.

TommyC: "Root is starting to look like the complete player, can grind it out when needed but also appears to be able to attack and increase the run rate when the situation demands it. Looking forward to see how he develops."

Mark: "When England were around 150 after 40 overs they would probably have taken 220-230. Right now they'll even feel disappointed that it's "only" 257."

Richard Brotherton: "Well , after the last two disasters i'd all but forgotten that there was a match on today and thankfully England have managed a respectable total ; not sure if it will be enough though ! That said , I seem to recall England winning back-to-back ODI victories and squaring the series about , oh , ten years ago - one where Andrew Flintoff clean-bowled the last Indian batsman and then whipped off his shirt and ran around the ground bare-chested !"

Mark: "@Richard Let's hope then that Samit Patel doesn't take the winning wicket!!!"