An uncharacteristic stealthy knock from Kevin Pietersen and a lower middle-order rearguard effort brought England near parity at the end of the first day of the fourth Test with India.
The tourists ended the day on 5 for 199, with debutant Joe Root unbeaten on 31 and wicketkeeper Matt Prior with him on 34.
It was Pietersen's innings of 73 from 188 balls which stopped the Indians from setting up a much-needed victory to draw the series, which England currently lead 2-1.
Controversially, India went into the game with four spinners and Ishant Sharma the only recognised pace bowler, but he did the job of two men taking the wickets of openers Nick Compton (3) and crucially Alastair Cook (1).
Jonathan Trott (44) put on 86 with Pietersen to take England past the three figures mark before shouldering arms to a straight delivery from Ravinda Jadeja (2 for 34).
Ian Bell's indifferent run of form continued as he fell for one to leg-spinner Piyush Chawla playing in his first Test for India in four-and-a-half years.
Debutant all-rounder Jadeja frustrated the England bowlers with 13 maidens from his 25 overs and eventually Pietersen's patience ran out as he gited a catch to Ojha.
At 5 for 139 England was in trouble but Root and Prior held on for the rest of the final session to leave the match finely poised going into the second day.
Tags: sport, cricket, india, england First posted December 13, 2012 22:50:11
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