India set England record target to win cricket test

England survived a tricky spell against India yesterday as they began pursuit of a record 500 to win the third test and draw the series.

Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss guided the home side to 56 without loss and England now need to bat briskly through the final day for an unlikely victory.

India, who only need a draw to claim their first test series victory in England for 21 years, declared their second innings on 180 for six after skipper Rahul Dravid chose not to enforce the follow-on.

Cook was on 27 and Strauss was 23 not out.

The openers faced 20 overs before the close as they sought to make some impression on the huge target. England require another 444 runs but more likely face the prospect of losing their first home test series since 2001.