Rain mars day one, England 163 for 4

Mohali, March 9 (UNI) England's Ashes hero Kevin Pietersen lit up an otherwise gloomy day with a dazzling 64 even though India kept a tight leash to restrict the visitors to 163 for four on the rain-marred day one of the second Test match against India here today.

The proceedings began 45 minutes late this morning and later twice fading light interrupted the play. And the today's play was finally called off after 50.3 overs by umpires Darren Hair and Simon Taufel because of bad light.

England's Nagpur Test hero Paul Collingwood (19) and skipper Andrew Flintfoff (4), who became father of his second child today, were in the crease at close of play.

Two wickets down for 36 runs, England made partial recovery through Pieterson (64) and Ian Bell (38). They were associated for an 81-run partnership for the third wicket and carried the score to 117 for three before Bell was bowled by Anil Kumble. Bell, during his vigil at the wicket for 90 minutes, slammed six boundaries and faced 68 deliveries.

Pietersen continued to defy the Indian bowlers but departed in the 49th over when he gave a return catch and first Test wicket to debutant medium fast bower Munaf Patel who looked off-colour in his first two spells.

However, he got into his rhythm and bowled some fine in-swingers and yorkers which troubled Collingwood who just managed to survive.

Munaf was rewarded for his hard labour soon when he forced a well-set Pietersen to give a return cath. Pieterson hit 10 fours and a six -- off Piyush Chawla over mid-wicket -- during his 137 minutes, facing 108 deliveries.

With Collingwood, Pietersen forged a 40-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

England recovered to score 118 for three before bad light halted proceedings 67 minutes after lunch and play could not continue even though flood lights were switched on.

After Flintoff opted to bat first, the visitors slumped 36 for two with Irfan Pathan dismissing openers Andrew Strauss (18) and Alastair Cook (17).

However, Bell and Pietersen applied themselves to defy the Indian bowlers. They were especially harsh on Munaf Patel against whom they scored quite easily. Munaf conceded 36 runs from eight overs.

Bell and Pietersen realised 50 runs in 46 minutes from 73 balls to steady the ship forcing Team India skipper Rahul Dravid to introduce seasoned Anil Kumble, replacing Piyush Chawla.

Kumble, requiring four more wickets to achieve another milestone of completing 500 Test wickets, dismissed Bell who played and missed the delivery to be bowled. The third wicket association produced 81 runs in 81 minutes and 128 balls and England were reduced to 117 for three.

Collingwood then joined Pietersen and soon umpires Darrel Hair and Simon Taufel upheld the bad light appeal of the English batsmen and an early tea was called as it started drizzling again.

UNI