India start tour solidly

There’s hardly been a rain-free day in England over the last three weeks, but the sun shone for the Indians at Hove in their tour opener against the reigning county champions, Sussex. The Indian batsmen compiled 281-3 by stumps, with Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid compiling half centuries.

Batting first after Dravid won the toss, the Indian openers started nervily, especially Wasim Jaffer, who edged Robin Martin-Jenkins behind after scratching 12 off 47. Karthik and Gambhir, however, then took control and built a composed partnership of 129.

Karthik fell to veteran Pakistani off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq for 76. But Gambhir continued on his way partnered by his captain. They took the score past 200 before Gambhir, on 81, gave a return chance to Michael Yardy. The England allrounder held onto the chance to take the third Indian wicket.

Dravid was joined by VVS Laxman, and the pair accelerated the scoring over the last 20 overs to take India to their overnight total. Dravid remains unbeaten on 57 whilst Laxman has 37 to his name.

India 281-3
Gautam Gambhir 81, Dinesh Karthik 76, Rahul Dravid 57*
Robin Martin-Jenkins 1-29, Michael Yardy 1-33