Kohli stabilises India with half century

Virat Kohli stabilised India’s early battle to keep their series with England alive by scoring his 18th Test match half-century.

Captain and talisman Kohli reached an unbeaten 51 at tea on the first day of the third Test at Trent Bridge, sharing a vital 107 partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, who racked up 53 himself.

India reached 189 for three at tea, with Kohli steadying the ship after Chris Woakes’ three wickets drove the tourists from 60 without loss to 82 for three in the morning session.

But after lunch India hit back in style, with Kohli commanding and clearly over the back problems that plagued him in his side’s innings defeat in the second Test at Lord’s.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled dangerously without reward for England, but Ben Stokes struggled on his return to the side after his acquittal on charges of affray.

The Durham all-rounder cut a frustrated figure in claiming no wickets and leaking 47 runs from 11 overs.

In the morning session Woakes dislodged Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara and Lokesh Rahul to hand England the early advantage, only for Kohli and Rahane to level out proceedings between lunch and tea.