England falter in second Test against India

A day of hard knocks for England on Saturday. The cricket team failed to make the most of batting first on the opening day of the third Test against India in Mohali. And Ben Stokes was charged with using offensive language after a heated exchange with India’s captain, Virat Kohli.

England's Jonny Bairstow plays a shot against India in Mohali on Saturday. Adnan Abidi / Reuters

Jonny Bairstow said England had a "scrappy" opening day after his half-century remained the only bright spot for the visitors who faltered against a persistent Indian bowling attack.

"It's been a scrappy day but we've dealt with worse in the past and we will carry on to work hard within the game," Bairstow told reporters. "After winning the toss, it was disappointing to lose wickets, at the same time it could have been a disastrous day as well. We've also got to take positives from that."

Bairstow hit 89 to salvage some pride for England's batting after they were reduced to 87 for four in the morning session following their decision to bat first.

Indian bowlers put up a combined effort as Umesh Yadav, Jayant Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja claimed two wickets each.

England's tough day didn't end there. Ben Stokes's heated exchange with India’s captain, Virat Kohli, landed him with an official reprimand by the International Cricket Council.

Bairstow was at the non-striker’s end when the altercation happened. Kohli is understood to have sworn at Stokes when he walked off the field after being stumped for 29 off left-arm spinner, Ravi Jadeja.

"I don't know what was said, I don't get involved with all that stuff," said Bairstow.
"You got to respect the fact that you have got guys out there who are very passionate, representing the country in the heat of the battle and at some point there are going to be words."

England, trailing the five-match series 1-0, were 268 for eight at stumps with Adil Rashid (4) and Gareth Batty (0) battling on.