Strauss falls as England reaches 39 for one at close

Andrew Strauss' batting problems continued today, with the England captain losing his wicket early on a rain-affected first day of the decisive fourth test against Pakistan at Lord's.



By the time the umpires called an early close to play, England made it to 39 for 1 on a gloomy day when just 12.3 overs were bowled.



After rain and bad light delayed the start by more than 2 1/2 hours, Strauss was bowled for 13 by a delivery by Mohammad Asif that swung into him and passed between his inside edge and front pad.



With just one possible innings left in the series and the Ashes three months away, Strauss is now averaging 25.83 against the tourists and has gone 13 months since the most recent of his 18 test hundreds.



Alastair Cook had two escapes on his way to 10 not out in arduous batting conditions on a greasy pitch under the stadium floodlights, while Jonathan Trott was on 8 at stumps.



Asif had 1 for 17 from six overs when the umpires initially took the players off for bad light.



England move 2-1 up and need only to avoid defeat in the match to win the series against Pakistan.



Pakistan are seeking victory to draw the series and complete a comeback from 2-0 down.