Cricket Cricket Cricket

Pieterson scores a majestic double century to put England in front in the first Test.


Pieterson, after being dropped, saved and dragged through his first hundred in Test cricket for three years decided the second hundred wouldn't be so dramatic - he made it in just 110 balls with the fluency and aggression we used to be used to. He was helped along by Trott (70), a beautiful but all too brief innings by Bell (45) and Matt Prior (71), who steadied the ship after Morgan had gone for a duck and India were fancying themselves back in the game. Swann then put in a typical slog fest, getting 24 from 28 balls, to help Pieterson bring up his double century and get England to 474 before Strauss declared, wanting to put India in for a tricky few overs before close of play. India survived a couple of early lbw scares and ended the day on 14-0.


What a day of cricket. What an amazing time for Pieterson to scrape back his form. What a great opportunity for England to get some good bowling in, find that swing that the weather will be providing, and oust India for a meagre total. Can we get them all out today? Row says no - he fears us bowling - but I am more optimistic. Anderson to find some devastating pace and swing, Tremlett to bowl hard and high, Broad to find his form, and Swann to be the best spin bowler in the world. Oh wait...


I'll keep you blogged...