Jonny Bairstow slams fifty but England continue to falter vs India in 3rd Test, Day 1

England wicketkeeper-batsman waged a lone battle on Saturday against India in the third Test, bringing up his 13th fifty in the conventional format of the spot. Bairstow’s half-century was the only bright spot for England halfway through the second session, as England crumbled against disciplined Indian bowlers at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. After 48 overs, England were in a precarious position at 152 for 5 with Bairstow reaching 55 not out off 87 balls, accompanied by another wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler. Earlier in the day, it was England who won the toss and elected to bat first on a good batting wicket at Mohali. Full Cricket Scorecard: India vs England 3rd Test at Mohali

The right-handed Bairstow looked unclenched against the Indian spinners in particular, who bowled tight line and lengths, not allowing the touring batsmen to make use of Day One wicket. Bairstow is already having a memorable year as he is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket in 2016 with more than 1,300 runs, and the innings on the first day was yet another certificate of his rich form. However, England missed the opportunity of batting well on the first day wicket as barring Bairstow; none of their batsmen could make a mark. LIVE Cricket Score, India vs England, 3rd Test, Day 1 at Mohali

Earlier at lunch, England were struggling at 92 for 4 with Jonny Bairstow (20 not out) and Ben Stokes (5 not out) at the crease. Cook was dismissed for 42-ball 27, which was studded with 6 boundaries. Haseeb Hameed scored 31-ball 9, whereas Joe Root fell for 15.