England started strongly as they took full advantage of some lacklustre India bowling to make 75-0 without any difficulty on a rain affected opening day of the fourth Test at The Oval.
Less than a week after losing the series and surrendering their number one Test ranking with defeat at Edgbaston, India's cricket was once again of a poor standard and lacked any meaningful direction or purpose.
Andrew Strauss won the toss at an overcast Oval and choosing to bat, made 38 and Alastair Cook 34 in the morning session before heavy rain stopped proceedings after lunch.
England were boosted with the recovery of James Anderson (thigh injury) who was passed fit this morning ensuring that England could name an unchanged team. India were forced to make a change as Praveen Kimar, their leading wicket-taker, was forced to miss out after injuring his right ankle during the final day at Birmingham. RP Singh was drafted into the squad as replacement despite not playing a Test for three years and no first-class cricket since January.
Ishant Sharma was the pick of the bowlers as he unsettled Strauss with a bouncer that took a chunk out of his protective helmet.
However he received no helpful support from the other end as all of India's bowlers were ineffective. Sreesanth more so than any having conceded 26 runs from just 6 overs.
At 75-0 England will be hoping for better weather tomorrow as they hope to rack up another massive first-innings as they look to complete their first series whitewash of India since 1974.
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