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Read Vijay Tagore's Day 3 report
Matt Prior struck a valuable unbeaten half-century to guide England to 174 for six and extend their overall lead to 362 at tea on the fourth day of the first Test against India at Lord's in London today.
Having weathered an early storm due to some incisive bowling from Ishant Sharma, Prior turned things around by playing sensibly in his unbeaten knock of 55, and he was ably supported by Stuart Broad (36 not out off 56 balls).
The duo's half-century partnership has put the hosts in a commanding position, as the highest chase ever managed at Lord's was by West Indies in 1984, when they scored 344 for one in the last innings.
India have a wealth of experience in batting, but Sachin Tendulkar not taking the field in England's second innings due to viral infection, is a cause for concern for the visitors.
Tendulkar, chasing his 100th international century, could now come out to bat only at number seven when India bats the second time.
MCC's Rule 2.1.2 says that "the player shall not be permitted to bat unless or until, in the aggregate, he has returned to the field and/or his side's innings has been in progress for at least that length of playing time for which he has been absent or, if earlier, when his side has lost five wickets".
To make matters worse, opener Gautam Gambhir, fielding at forward short leg, got hit on his left elbow by a sweep from Prior off Harbhajan Singh when the score was 157 for six.
Gambhir, after being attended by team physio, left the field holding his left arm.
The feeling is that it could be a swelling but if the left-hander is diagnosed with a fracture, it would be disastrous for India, who are looking to save the match.
