Andrew Strauss says England remain hopeful of winning the third Test.
Strauss still hoping for England victory
England opener Andrew Strauss is still remaining hopeful of winning the third and final Test against India despite a frustrating first day at The Oval.
Winning a crucial toss and batting first on a batsman-friendly wicket at The Oval, India were largely untroubled as they made 316-4 by the close.
Already 1-0 up after their victory at Trent Bridge, India only need a draw to shattered Michael Vaughan's unbeaten Test series record at home as England captain.
It would also be just a third Indian series victory on English soil in 15 tours, but Strauss says England are still hoping for victory.
Although the left-handed batsman admitted England's bowlers did not get it right early on, Strauss says that they came back well and was adamant a home victory was still a possibility.
"We came back pretty well. It's a flat wicket and you have to get stuck in, bowl maidens and squeeze out wickets," said Strauss.
"We stuck at it pretty well. Hopefully we'll bowl them out for around 400 and look to get a big score ourselves.
"In the first session we didn't hit our straps as well as we could have done and after that it was just a case of hitting the right length and waiting for a false stroke.
"We had to be patient because if we became impatient that would play to their strengths."
Prior drop
With chances at a premium, England were not helped by wicketkeeper Matt Prior dropping none other than Sachin Tendulkar.
"You have to take it on the chin and move on," said Strauss.
"Hopefully, Matty will take a few flyers on Friday. We all know what it's like to drop a catch. You feel as if you have let yourself and your team-mates down."
England coach Peter Moores refused to single out Prior's drop when Tendulkar was on 20, as he ended the day unbeaten on 48.
"It's frustrating when you drop a chance," Moores said. "Matt is one of the hardest workers in the team and he would have loved to have held on to that chance, especially as it was Tendulkar.
"Matt's working hard on his game. We've all got areas to work on and he is working hard in what is a tough environment."
