India's Anil Kumble celebrates his maiden Test century against England on the second day's play of the third Test at the Oval cricket ground in London yesterday.

LONDON (AP):

Anil Kumble scored his first Test century and India amassed their biggest ever Test score against England yesterday, reaching 664 to virtually ensure it will win the three-match series.

At stumps on the second day at The Oval, England were 24-1 inreply, having lost Andrew Strauss for six.

Leading 1-0 after last week's victory at Trent Bridge, India need only a draw and their batsmen punished the England bowlers for the second day in a row to make almost certain they will not lose this match.

'Brilliant day'

Kumble, a specialist leg-spinner, reached his first century in his 118th Test and finished unbeaten on 110, which included 16 fours and a six.

"It was a brilliant day and it was something very special to get a Test hundred, especially at The Oval," said Kumble, whose previous best was 88 against South Africa in India a decade ago.

"It was important for us to get to a huge score and take the game totally away from England and I think we have done that. It's important for us now to go out there and get those 20 wickets."

Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit 92 runs off 81 balls after Dinesh Karthik made 91, Sachin Tendulkar scored 82 and Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman also reached half-centuries. At one stage, India were about to make the highest ever total without a century. Then Kumble, batting at No. 8, got his 100.

"I never thought it would be me," Kumble said. "When I went back at tea time and I was 60, I jokingly said 'I told you guys to get 100, it will probably be me now.' It's very special."

Avoid losing series

The total beat the 628-8 India hit against England at Headingley in 2002 and 664 is also the biggest score between the two teams, beating England's 653-4 at Lord's in 1990.

Now England's only real hope is to draw the match and avoid losing the series 2-0.

"The guys have got a lot of work to do to try and stay in the game," said coach Peter Moores. "India have won a good toss but they've batted very well. We couldn't at any stage get a clutch of wickets together. There are three days to go, it's a very good wicket. We will need someone to go big, get a big score and other people bat round them."

Anderson was the most successful bowler with 4-182 but England were hampered by the loss of swing bowler Ryan Sidebottom who was off the field for the last two sessions with a side strain.

Strauss and Cook had eight overs to face before stumps and India captured a wicket.

Khan tempted Strauss to hook and the left-hander lobbed a catch down to Sreesanth at deep long leg to depart for six.

England promoted Anderson up the order to protect the specialist batsmen and he survived with five runs, Cook finishing the day with 12.

Kumble hammers first Test century in record India score

AP