Kumble makes deep inroads

Ahmedabad, December 11: Indian wrist-spinner Anil Kumble grabbed three quick wickets to restore balance in the second cricket Test against England here on Tuesday.

Kumble struck just when openers Mark Butcher (51) and Marcus Trescothick (99 not out) threatened to demoralise the home attack with aggressive half-centuries during their 124-run stand.

The spinner removed a well-set Butcher, skipper Nasser Hussain (1) and Michael Vaughan (11) in his seven overs as England slipped from a solid start to reach 176 for three at tea on the opening day.

Butcher, surprised by the pace off the wicket, was caught by wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta after smashing nine fours, while Hussain was adjudged leg-before.

England looked set to post a big total before losing three wickets in quick succession as Trescothick and Butcher dominated the Indian attack with a wide range of attacking shots.

It was an ordeal in the sun for India, who struggled for wickets for more than a session after England had won the toss and elected to bat on an easy-paced pitch.

Indian fast bowler Javagal Srinath made a forgettable return to the squad after missing the first Test at Mohali due to a finger injury. He was severely punished by the England openers, who were quick to spot errors in line and length.

Butcher was instrumental in ruining Srinath's bowling figures, driving and cutting firmly on way to his 130-ball innings. Trescothick matched his partner shot for shot, using his feet effectively to neutralise the spinners' efficacy. He struck the first six of the day, swinging off-spinner Harbhajan Singh over mid-wicket. He has hit 11 fours and one six in his unbeaten 151-ball knock.

The left-handed openers provided the start their team had been looking for after losing the services of a consistent Graham Thorpe, returning home Tuesday night because of personal problems. "He (Thorpe) has to attend to pressing matters of a personal nature," said England Media Relations Manager David Clarke.

Thorpe's absence was a big blow for England, trailing 1-0 in a three-Test series following their defeat in the opening match at Mohali on Thursday. The England middle-order batting looked shaky without Thorpe as his replacement, Vaughan, scored only 11 before being adjudged caught bat-pad by Virender Sehwag at forward short-leg.

The tourists made one more change from the team that lost the first match, including left-arm spinner Ashley Giles in place of paceman James Ormond. The Warwickshire spinner, with 26 wickets in eight Tests, missed the first match after bruising his heel.