Stuart Binny, Jadeja fight back for India

Stuart Binny

Nottingham – India fought back with a gutsy partnership from Stuart Binny and Ravindra Jadeja to take the lead to 191 runs at lunch after England bowlers rocked the middle-order on the fifth and final day of the first cricket Test at the Trent Bridge here Sunday.

Binny was batting on 26 and Jadeja 18 as India recovered well from a precarious 184 for six to reach 230 at lunch.

Binny and Jadeja, who took 38 balls to open his account, added 46 runs for their unfinished seventh-wicket stand after India lost three wickets for 17 runs in the vital first session.

Resuming the day at 167/3, India were put on the back-foot right in the first over of the day after Virat Kohli (8) was trapped plumb in front by fast bowler Stuart Broad. The local boy struck again in his next over to get rid of Ajinkya Rahane (24), who flashed outside the off and edged to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

With India struggling at 173 for five, the expectations were immense from India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a repeat of his heroic 82 in the first innings. But Dhoni managed barely 11 before being castled by a Liam Plunkett.

Jadeja and Binny then fought back valiantly with their 46-run stand for the unfinished seventh wicket stand. Jadeja had a tough time right from the start and finally found the first run, a four straight over the pacer James Anderson's head that also drew an applause from the bowler.

Having gone wicketless, Binny was also determined to prove his credentials as a handy batsman. The Karnataka all-rounder used his feet well for his three fours and the cover drive off Liam Plunkett was a treat to watch.