Zaheer strucks early after Anderson career best five ..

England reached 54 for two on the third day of the first test against India at Lord's on Saturday when rain forced the players off for an early tea.Michael Vaughan was three not out after 27 minutes and Kevin Pietersen had seven in 21 minutes as India enjoyed a period where the ball was dominating the bat.

Earlier, India, replying to England's first innings 298, collapsed to 201 all out after losing their last six wickets for 46 in the morning session. James Anderson claimed career-best test figures of five for 42.In England's second innings, left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan removed the openers and at the break had figures of two for 23 from 9.4 overs. England lead by 151 and will be seeking to set a target of at least over 300.

After an earlier downpour delayed the afternoon session by 110 minutes, Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook took their opening partnership to 40 when Strauss, on 18, failed to move his feet to a Zaheer ball outside off stump and edged to first slip.Shortly before, Strauss had been involved in an exchange with India fast bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth that may have affected his concentration.The batsman was struck on the thigh by Sreesanth who threw, supposedly at the stumps, after fielding off his own bowling.

Sreesanth apologised though Strauss's response was to walk away while Sreesanth neared his delivery stride next ball.Zaheer removed Cook lbw for 17 two balls after his first wicket though replays suggested the ball may have struck him outside the line of off stump.