Hildreth and Trott hit centuries

The England Performance Programme XI (EPP) made a strong start to their first match in India, reaching 358 for 4 on the opening day against an MRF XI in Chennai, as James Hildreth and Jonathan Trott hit centuries.

Hildreth and Trott added 209 for the third wicket after the EPP were put into bat and lost the early wickets of Joe Denly and then Steven Davies, playing as a specialist batsman, for 29. Hildreth's 136 came from 130 balls with 14 fours and two sixes, while Trott was more measured as his 114 came off 193 deliveries.

Both players fell before the close, but this allowed the other middle-order batsmen a chance. Tim Ambrose, the captain, moved to 45 with James Tredwell also unbeaten on 19 at stumps.