Photographs: Stu Forster/Getty Images
England recovered well from an early slump on Day 2 to reach 237 for six, an overall lead of 85 runs, before play was called off early due to a wet outfield caused by rain, in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, on Thursday.
Joe Root was unbeaten on 48 with Jos Buttler, on 22, the duo having added 67 runs for the seventh wicket before the umpires were forced to call off play early with just 36 overs bowled on the second day..
Earlier, England had resumed on 113 for three on an overcast morning before Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked two quick wickets to rock the hosts. Nightwatchman Chris Jordan did not last long and was the first wicket to fall in the day when he was caught at short midwicket for 13.
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Bell hits half-century
Photographs: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Ian Bell, who hit a century in the previous match, continued his good form with another fluent innings of 58.
He was also dismissed by Bhuvneshwar, who had him caught behind by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni as India looked to inch their way back into the contest.
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Aaron's pace flattens Ali
Photographs: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Joe Root and Moeen Ali nudged England ahead but Ali (13) was dismissed when Aaron clean bowled him with a brutal inswinging delivery.
Aaron's plan worked to perfection as he peppered Ali with quick bouncers before he followed it with another pacy inswinging delivery which beat the left-hander all ends up and crashed into his stumps.
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Aaron, Bhuvneshwar claim three wickets each
Photographs: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Aaron looked the most dangerous Indian bowler on Day 2, as he bowled quick and also managed to get some movement.
He claimed three for 44 and Bhuvneshwar bagged three for 47 but the rest of the bowlers failed to pick up a wicket.
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England reach 201-6 at lunch on Day 2
Photographs: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Joe Root (23 not out) was joined at the crease by wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (13 not out) and the pair survived to the interval with few alarms.
England were 201 for six in 62 overs at the lunch break, for a lead of 49 runs with four wickets still in hand.
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Rain halts England's progress
Photographs: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
England extended their first-innings lead to 85 runs before heavy rain halted their progress and forced no further play on the second day because of a wet outfield.
Only 36 overs were possible on the second day with a majority of the overs lost because of rain.
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