‘350 will be a pretty good score’

Opener Rohit Sharma smashed 161 while India's other top-order batsmen fell cheaply, helping the home side build to 300-6 on the opening day of the second Test against England at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium yesterday.

At 86-3, India looked to have thrown away any chance of batting themselves into a strong position on a pitch where runs are going to be harder to come by as the match progresses. But Rohit's 162-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane dragged the hosts back into the contest, before England dismissed both in the final session.  "On this wicket, 350 will be a pretty good score. We still have four wickets and I'm sure they'd try to bat as long as possible," Rohit told a video conference.  "I'm little disappointed to get out like that but happy that the team is in a good position."

After the opening Test was played behind closed doors, 15,000 fans were allowed back in the stadium, and Rohit gave them plenty to cheer about.