England hope for rearguard battle

First Test, Nagpur: England 246-7
Day two begins 0430 GMT

Match scorecard

The pressure is on Collingwood, England's last front-line batsman

England realise they face a tough task to keep pace with India as they begin day two of the first Test 246-7.

Paul Collingwood, on 53 overnight, and Matthew Hoggard must withstand heavy pressure on a good batting pitch.

"We are a little bit disappointed being seven down on a flat wicket and knowing we've had the best use of it," said Alastair Cook, who hit 60 on day one.

"We've still got Colly and Hoggie in there so we can get another 50 runs. Over 300 gives us at least a chance."

India spinner Anil Kumble dismissed Andrew Flintoff for 43 on Tuesday, thwarting the enthusiasm England's stand-in captain had shown at winning the toss.

Kumble stated India's aim to "try and wrap up the last couple of wickets as quickly as possible", with a target of keeping England under the 300 mark.

A dry pitch is likely to favour spin-bowling increasingly as the match progresses.

And a heavily-watered outfield could frustrate England's plan to get reverse-swing from their pace bowlers.

But Cook added: "Hopefully we'll fight back and stay in this game.

"If we can tie them down and be patient when we bowl we are still in with a chance."