England's chances of success in the one-day series with India were revived today when they made a stunning comeback to claim a two-run victory in difficult circumstances at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. They went into today's contest trailing 3-1 in the six-match series and anything less than a victory today would have rendered the final match in Mumbai on Sunday irrelevant.
Having set a competitive target of 271 for five, India were on course for another comfortable victory after captain Sourav Ganguly and newcomer Mohammad Kaif forged a 111-run partnership off as many balls to take them within 61 runs of victory with 10 overs remaining.
But a career-best performance of five for 57, after he had conceded 32 from his first four overs, from Ashley Giles turned the match in England's favour and despite Ajit Agarkar hitting 36 from 24 balls, India fell just short of England's total.
However, the victory was marred by a breach of security mid-way through the India reply when Andrew Flintoff reported being hit by a pellet while fielding on the mid-wicket boundary. Michael Vaughan had reported a similar experience and play was suspended for several minutes while the umpires discussed the matter with match referee Denis Lindsay, who will make a report of the incident. This could result in disciplinary action against the Indian authorities.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
