England v India 4th Test Day 2: Eng 237-6 on rain interrupted day

England extended their first-innings lead to 85 runs before heavy rain halted their progress to end the second day early of the fourth Test against India on Friday.

Joe Root (48 not out) was creeping towards his half century and Jos Buttler (22 not out) kept the scoreboard ticking over as England reached 237 for six.

After resuming in the afternoon on 201 for six, Root and wicketkeeper Buttler comfortably rotated the strike but their progress was halted by heavy rain which stopped play for over an hour and forced the players to take an early tea.

Ian Bell had passed 50 for England on an overcast morning but seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two quick wickets in a fine spell of bowling.

Nightwatchman Chris Jordan (13) was the first to fall when he played a loose pull shot and was caught at mid-wicket by Varun Aaron.

Bell (58) followed when Kumar tempted him into playing at a ball outside off stump and he edged it to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni.

Root and Moeen Ali nudged England ahead but Moeen (13) was dismissed when Aaron clean bowled him with a brutal inswinging delivery before Root and Buttler took the hosts safely to lunch.

Stuart Broad took six wickets as India were bowled out for 152 on the first day after winning the toss. The five-match series is level at 1-1.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The rain stops play. Excellent batting from Root (48) and Buttler (22) as the duo add 67 runs to take England to 237 for six in 71 overs to lead by 85 runs.

It's smooth sailing for England at the moment as Buttler and Root share 56 runs stand. It's an important partnership between the two. Eng 226-6 in 67 overs.

Indian pacers did a commendable job as England managed 201 for six in 62 overs taking a lead of 49 runs on the second day of the fourth Test.

Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Aaron accounted for three wickets each. The big wicket was of Ian Bell who departed scoring a gritty 58.

Joe Root (23) and Jos Buttler (13) were at the crease.

MORNING SESSION

That was a beauty from Aaron as he picks up his third wicket to end Moeen Ali. The left-hander had no answer as the ball swung sharply to rattle the stumps. Eng 170-6 in 52.2 overs.

Moeen Ali b Aaron 13 (27b 2x4 0x6)

Two new batsmen in the middle, Indian bowlers certainly have the advantage for some more quick wickets. Eng 145-5 in 46 overs.

That's the big wicket for India as Bhuvneshwar Kumar takes his second. Bell plays to get a edge to Dhoni. Eng 140-5 in 43.4 overs.

Ian Bell c Dhoni b Kumar 58 (82b 8x4 1x6)

Jordan is gone but thanks to a superb catch from Aaron. India need more of that. Eng 136-4 in 41.4 overs.

Chris Jordan c Aaron b Kumar 13 (22b 3x4 0x6)

It's looking comfortable for England. Even night watchman Jordan is carrying over his task smoothly. Eng 133-3 in 40 overs.

Bell reaches a fine half century as England now trail by 29 runs. Eng 123-3 in 37 overs.

PREVIEW

India will look for some quick wickets on Day 2 as England were sitting pretty at 113 for three in reply to India's 152 in the fourth Test.

Earlier, on the first day England fast bowler Stuart Broad took six wickets to skittle out India.

Broad and James Anderson reduced India, who won the toss, to eight for four and only a defiant 71 by the touring side's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni saved them from complete collapse with a gripping series level at 1-1.

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