India reeling at 17/2 as rain forces early lunch on day four

Rain provided some relief to India who were struggling at 17 for two in their second innings when early lunch was taken on day four of the second Test against England at Lord's here.

At the break, Cheteshwar Pujara (5) and Ajinkya Rahane (1) were the unbeaten batsmen. This was after England declared their first innings at 396 for in 88.1 overs, taking a 289-run lead. India were bowled out for 107 runs in their first innings.

Starting from overnight 357-6, England looked for some quick runs in this morning session. But they didn't come so easily as Mohammed Shami (3-96) bowled a very sharp spell.

He beat Chris Woakes (137 not out) and Sam Curran (40) on a number of occasions, but was unlucky to not induce any edges at all.

The runs came in a trickle, but when it started drizzling a bit, Curran threw his bat around. When he was finally out caught at third man off Hardik Pandya (3-66), England declared their innings close for fear of more rain.

India then got off to another poor start. James Anderson (2-8) had Murali Vijay (0) caught behind in the third over. This was his 100th Test wicket at Lord's.

Vijay became the sixth Indian batsman to score a pair' in a Test, and he has now managed only 128 runs in 10 overseas innings against South Africa and England in 2018.

Meanwhile, four overs later, Anderson trapped KL Rahul (10) plumb lbw and the batsman walked off without even checking for DRS with his partner Pujara.

Skipper Virat Kohli didn't come out to bat at number four because he didn't take the field this morning owing to back stiffness. There is no further communication from the team management about his condition, though he is now eligible to bat if a wicket falls on resumption of play.

Pujara and Rahane struggled against movement generated by both Anderson and Chris Woakes (0-1) but somehow managed to survive.

The Indian innings had progressed under light drizzle, but as soon as rain got stronger, umpires hauled off the players for an early meal.