India's tour of England

First Test, Lord's, day two (stumps): India 130-3 v England 487 all out

Virender Sehwag hit his third half-century in Tests as India set off well in pursuit of England's 487 on the second evening at Lord's.

But the hosts struck twice in the final three overs of the day to regain some of the initiative that had earlier seen a blazing tailend display and a wicket in India's first over.

Match report | Images | Scorecard

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England captain Nasser Hussain believes he bats better when he goes in early, a supposition supported by his performance on the first day of the first Test against India at Lord’s.

"It might be good for the team not losing a wicket, but it doesn't do any good to me," Hussain claimed.

"I am not great after long partnerships and I get quite nervous sitting up there and watching. To lose a wicket in the first couple of overs actually makes life easier for me."

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The England captain praised John Crawley and explained the selection of Craig White before Dominic Cork.

"He is a very wristy player and some of the strokes he played against (Anil) Kumble were actually beautiful," Hussain said in acknowledgment of Crawley’s innings.

Explaining White's selection:

"Losing Marcus (Trescothick), our gun batter, I just thought we needed a batsman down out there,” the skipper said of the number eight position.

“Craig got a hundred against India not very long ago and he is bowling a lot better.

"On these dry surfaces, his cutters and his in-swingers could be useful,” Hussain added.

Miscellaneous

The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka has offered its services as host of Pakistan’s troubled triangular ODI tournament, should Kenya be unable offer a venue.

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England wicket-keeper James Foster is worried that his latest injury setback could prevent him being part of this winter's Ashes tour.

Foster broke his left thumb in Essex's game against Glamorgan and is likely to be out of action for up to six weeks.

"If you want to get picked to go on tours, you have to be playing cricket.

"But you can't dwell on it or go back in time and I just hope I have used up all my bad luck in one season," he said.

It was only his second senior appearance since recovering from a broken arm which he suffered while batting in the nets.

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Northern India state Himachal Pradesh has decided to build a cricket museum in the name of Kapil Dev.

Anurag Thakur, president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), said: "The main objective is to have the cricket museum in a lovely setting that will inspire young cricketers to greater heights.

"An international cricket stadium at a place called Dharmashala has also been planned." The details of the museum will be finalised when Kapil Dev returns to India from London, where he received the accolade of Indian Cricket of the Century at an awards ceremony this week. "The stadium which is being constructed will probably be the best in the country," Thakur added.

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