Buttler battles to 64 not out

JOS Buttler’s battling halfcentury helped England to 385 for eight by lunch on day two of the fourth Test.

The tourists lost Ben Stokes early, after resuming on 288 for five, but Buttler (64no) dug in for a determined and skilful 106-ball 50 and was joined by Jake Ball in a precious, unbroken ninth-wicket partnership of 51 against India at the Wankhede Stadium.

His innings was a world away from the limited-overs power-hitting for which he is renowned but did contain two perfectly-executed reverse-sweeps off Ravindra Jadeja among his six fours.

Ravi Ashwin (five for 102) and Jadeja accounted for all eight wickets to date — but on a pitch offering conspicuous turn almost from the outset, England had earned a position from which they can hope to battle back from 2-0 down with two to play in this series.

Stokes’ dismissal, via DRS, was controversial in process but not outcome.

He was initially given not out caught at first slip but video and associated technology appeared to demonstrate his bat hitting ball as well as ground before a deflection off the wicketkeeper to the catcher after Ashwin found sharp turn.

Stokes was incredulous as he walked off but did not let his reaction stray into ill-discipline this time.

Later Ball, who survived barely a half-chance on nought when he flashed an edge through Virat Kohli’s hands at slip, accompanied Buttler past his 50 — and added some valuable runs himself too.

It was enough to convince Kohli to at last take the second new ball, after 121 overs, but to no avail as England extended their first innings into a fifth session.

Jos Buttler