- Scorecard

Andrew Strauss [Images] led England's [Images] fightback after the loss of an early wicket in the second innings on Day 4 of the second Test against India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Monday.

The left-hand opener was unbeaten on 54, as England scored 129 for 1 at lunch. He put on 80 runs for the second wicket with Michal Vaughan, who was also not out, on 36, at the break.

Zaheer Khan [Images] provided India an early breakthrough when he dismissed Alastair Cook [Images] leg before wicket for 23, but thereafter Strauss and Vaughan batted solidly to steady the innings.

England still trail India by 154 runs, with nine wickets in hand.

England were bowled out for 198 in their first innings as Zaheer Khan took four wickets for 59 runs. In reply, India scored 483, Sachin Tendulkar [Images] top-scoring with 91.

Morning session: (86 runs, 1 wicket, 27 overs)

India have never lost a Test after taking a first innings lead of 100 or more, and that should encourage the visitors as they chase their first series win in England since 1986.

India's task was clear: make the most of the first hour, when the pace bowlers are the freshest. And it was Zaheer Khan who did the trick again, when he struck, claiming the vital wicket of Alastair Cook.

Cook failed to read the in-swinging delivery and was trapped leg before wicket for 23, the fourth time he has been dismissed in this fashion.

The wicket seemed to have fired up Zaheer as he made new batsman Michael Vaughan [Images] look like a novice, getting the ball to swing both ways from around the wicket. Vaughan didn't have a clue and once nearly dragged the ball onto his stumps.

Even Andrew Strauss felt the pressure as he took 15 balls to score his first runs of the morning. But once Zaheer was off after his first spell of six overs, the England batsmen had an easier time against the other bowlers.

Vaughan, who seemed all at sea against Zaheer, gradually blossomed against the other bowlers. Strauss also looked more assured as the duo looked to build on a bid partnership.

Strauss brought up his half-century, his 11th in Tests, with a single on the off-side in the 41st over as England progressed to 123 for 1.

Strange it may seem, but Zaheer was not recalled for even a few overs before lunch. Instead, captain Rahul Dravid [Images] opted to use the gentle medium pace of Sachin Tendulkar which hardly caused the hosts any problems. Even veteran Anil Kumble looked ineffective in the absence of any assistance from the pitch.

At the lunch break, England were 129 for 1 in 43 overs. Strauss was unbeaten on 54 from 126 deliveries, inclusive of six boundaries, while Vaughan was not out on 36, inclusive of six boundaries.

Overall, it was a good session, very hard-fought. England will be hoping that Strauss and Vaughan stay at the crease for at least a session or two.