White gives England hope in second test

England responded to their first Test humiliation by showing fighting spirit on the second day of the Motera Test today.

England responded to their first Test humiliation by showing fighting spirit on the second day of the Motera Test today.

Craig White's maiden Test hundred helped frustrate India and give the tourists' attack a substantial score to defend.

White was last man out for 121, bowled by Harbhajan Singh attempting to repeat his shot of two balls earlier when he hoisted the spinner for six over midwicket, as England posted 407.

India progressed to 45 without loss in the 20th over of their reply. But Nasser Hussain's side missed a chance for an early breakthrough when Mark Ramprakash failed to hold on to a difficult chance at short leg from Shiv Sunder Das off Richard Dawson.

READ MORE

Earlier, White's innings spanned more than six hours and 265 deliveries and included 12 fours and two sixes. White made the most of four escapes to share in England's best-ever seventh-wicket stand against India in India - 105 with young wicketkeeper James Foster.

Essex's Foster, in only his second Test, finally fell for 40 to a marvellous catch by Sachin Tendulkar - diving full length to his left at midwicket off the bowling of Kumble who finished with seven wickets.

Prepared to play cross-bat shots when the seamers dropped short and driving with precision, White nudged passed his Test-best score of 93 - made against Pakistan last winter - shortly after Ashley Giles departed.

PA