Binny shines with maiden Test half-century

Nottingham, July 13 (IANS) The first cricket Test was heading for a draw as India, riding on a fine show by Stuart Binny, took a massive lead of 308 runs at tea on the fifth day against England at the Trent Bridge here Sunday.

Binny struck a fine 78, his debut Test fifty, to save the day for India, who were left struggling at 184 for six after losing three quick wickets for 17 runs in the vital first session.

It was an entertaining knock from Binny, who had two crucial partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja (31) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (31 batting) to take India to a comfortable 347 for eight in their second innings at tea. Giving company to Kumar was Ishant Sharma, who was batting on five.

Binny, who hit eight fours and a six in his 114-ball knock, was first involved in a 65-run stand with Jadeja that helped the team recover from a precarious 184 for six and then took India to a position of strength adding 91-runs for the eighth wicket with Bhuvneshwar.

Resuming the day at 167/3, India were put on the back-foot right in the first over of the day after Virat Kohli (8) was trapped plumb in front by fast bowler Stuart Broad. The local boy struck again in his next over to get rid of Ajinkya Rahane (24), who flashed outside the off and edged to wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

With India struggling at 173 for five, the expectations were immense from India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a repeat of his heroic 82 in the first innings. But Dhoni managed barely 11 before being castled by a Liam Plunkett.

Jadeja, who took 38 balls to get his first run, and Binny then fought back valiantly with their 46-run stand for the unfinished seventh wicket stand. Jadeja had a tough time right from the start and finally found the first run, a four straight over the pacer James Anderson's head that also drew an applause from the bowler.

Having gone wicketless, Binny was also determined to prove his credentials as a handy batsman. The Karnataka all-rounder used his feet well for his three fours and the cover drive off Liam Plunkett was a treat to watch.

Binny and Jadeja helped India recover well from a precarious 184 for six to reach 230 at lunch. It was the introduction of the new ball that ended the partnership after Jadeja edged to Prior off Anderson ending his 98-ball vigil that had five fours. It was the first time in his career that Jadeja played more than 50 deliveries.

Binny and Bhuvneshwar then scored quickly as 91 runs of the partnership came from 19 overs. Binny got to his debut Test half-century in style plundering Plunkett for 11 runs in the 90th over that also had two well-timed fours. He had a cetury in sight but was trapped lbw by Moeen Ali with a tossed up delivery.