England collapse at Lord's after rain delay

LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) England's batting collapsed after the delayed start of the second day of the first test against India at Lord's today.

They lost their last six wickets for 26 runs to be all out for 298 before tea.

England had been in control at 219 for one last evening when Andrew Strauss (96) and Michael Vaughan (79) were going strong, but a-three hour rain delay this morning clearly upset their momentum.

Resuming at 268-4, the first to go was night-watchman Ryan Sidebottom (1) to Rudra Pratap Singh followed by the one that really boosted India.

Kevin Pietersen was out for 37, caught off left-armer Zaheer Khan to make the score 282 for six.

Ian Bell tried to lift his team to over 300 with an elegant straight driven four first ball and a pulled six.

But he was the last man out for 20 after Shanthakumaran Sreesanth had trapped three England tailenders lbw.

India are seeking to win their first test series in England since 1986.

Reuters BJR DB2004