CHRIS LEWIS took exactly 21 deliveries with both bat and ball to come of age for England at The Oval yesterday. The enigma of English cricket sent India plunging, to 68 for five with a blistering spell - of four for six - after earlier helping to boost England to an imposing 291 for eight with a quickfire 29 not out.

Rain cruelly denied Lewis and new look England victory last night, but Mike Atherton's side should wrap up the win today an go 1-0 up in the Texaco Trophy.

After a brief early evening reappearance India finished the day on 96 for five from 17.1 overs. Their only hope now seems to be more bad weather today, plus just enough play for them to get ahead on run rate. Their first target is 146 from 25 overs, which is the minimum number that have to be bowled for a result.

Lewis' 21 ball thrash with the bat, which included an extraordinary straight six bludgeoned off paceman Venkatesh Prasad, was but a warm up for the Surrey all rounder's major contribution to England's top class display.

In an hour's burst with the new ball Lewis took four for 29 in six, overs - including a 21 ball spell which wrecked the Indian innings after openers Sachin Tendulkar and Vikram Rathore had sent them flying to 54 from 5.2 overs.

Graeme Hick's authoritative 91 and a splendid 34 ball 40 from new boy Mark Ealham were other highlights.