Cricket: Singh is stumped by slow English.

INDIA bowler Harbhajan Singh admits he was stunned by England's defensive tactics on the first day of the first test in Chennai.

Despite Andrew Strauss hitting a superb 123, England's patient approach backfired after a stunning response from India's talented attack in the final session.

Openers Strauss and Alastair Cook forged a 118-run stand to set the platform for the tourists.

But their cautious approach backfired when they lost four wickets - including Strauss - in a 26-over spell after tea which restricted them to 229 for five by the close.

England's tactics, particularly during the first session when they scored 63 runs in 27 overs, were criticised by Harbhajan.

The bowler, who finished with two for 67, said: "England were not really looking to dominate or looking to score runs, they were happy just collecting singles or twos.

"They played very defensively because they could easily have scored 300 today."

The opening batsmen weren't prepared to take many risks during the early stages of the match at the Chepauk Stadium.

So it was a surprise when Essex left-hander Cook mistimed an attempted slog sweep off Harbhajan to give a catch to mid-on after scoring 52.

England needed Strauss to remain to lift their chances of reaching a competitive total but just six overs before stumps he gave a return catch to leg-spinner Amit Mishra, leaving night watchman Jimmy Anderson a tricky 25 minutes to survive.