Cook's Century vs India in 3rd test

Alastair Cook's 19th Test hundred helped England into a commanding position on the second day at Edgbaston as they reached 319 for 2 by tea. That is already a lead of 95 after Cook and Andrew Strauss added 187 for the first wicket as the hosts made India's total look hugely below par. The visitors did manage a couple of successes but nothing quelled England's progress.A period of consolidation when play began soon turned into more free-scoring after India had been unable to force any early breakthroughs. Runs had started to flow before lunch and continued after the break, as 162 was added in 35 overs during the afternoon, and Strauss's departure for 87 didn't bother England. Ian Bell launching his innings with a flurry of boundaries although fell to a beautiful leg-cutter from Praveen Kumar, who was comfortably the pick of India's seamers, and Kevin Pietersen was soon into his stride.Cook, who began the day determined to play straight and leave well, reached his hundred - the third of the season and fourth of the year - from 213 balls as he moved on from his four low scores that started the series. The innings included his trademark timing through the leg side and regular cover drives as he benefited from working on the patience of the bowlers. A mark of the increasing pace of Cook's progress, and the value of wearing down an attack, was that his first fifty took 130 balls.