Cook passes 200 as England extend Indian misery

(Reuters): Alastair Cook made his second test double century as England took their commanding total to 503 for three when rain brought an early lunch on day three of the third test against India on Friday.

England, replying to India’s 224, extended their lead to 279 runs over the weary touring side as Cook went to the interval on 206 not out and Eoin Morgan on 66.

The left-handed opener has batted for over nine hours and is closing on his test-best 235 not out.

The teams also left the field for a 25-minute rain interruption earlier in the session but the lost overs can be made up at the end of the day.

Batting conditions at Edgbaston were not all that favourable with high humidity and dark clouds overhead. The Indian bowlers managed to swing the ball but lacked pace and penetration.

England are on course for the victory that would give them an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match series and lift them to the top of the world rankings.

Cook, on 182 overnight, raised the eighth hundred partnership for England in the series and third of the innings with a single off Shanthakumaran Sreesanth. India have had just the one century partnership in the series, emphasising the gulf between the teams.

Cook brought up his 200 with a clip off his legs to the square leg boundary for two off Sreesanth. His 205th run, a single tapped into the covers, registered the team’s 500.

England won the first two tests at Lord’s and Trent Bridge.