Only 25 overs today - which was 25 more than looked likely first thing in the morning - and still both sides are evenly matched. Nasser Hussain will be pleased with four wickets, and a prospective Indian total of about 325, but he still won't be entirely happy with his bowlers. Steve Harmison was a long way short of the 90mph battering ram he was hyped up to be. Andy Flintoff was probing, although he was a bit too keen on hitting the helmet of his former Lancashire team-mate Sourav Ganguly, rather than his stumps. Craig White had only one over (but it did disappear for nine runs) and Dominic Cork wasn't even on the field, having a battle with his wounded knee.

Matthew Hoggard was tidy, and Harmison did at least grab a couple of wickets to settle those first-night nerves. But overall it wasn't brilliant stuff, although it should be remembered that the run-ups were rather greasy and required liberal dosings of sawdust.

If the rain stays on the right side of the Trent tomorrow England need to lop off the Indian tail and bat better than they have bowled. If they do, they should be assured of at least a draw, and extending their series lead into the third Test at Headingley - where they will probably pick six seamers.

Steven Lynch is database director of Wisden.com.

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