Strauss helped at Lord's by time out

Andrew Strauss believes a much-needed break from cricket helped him return to form as England finished day one of the first Test against India on 268-4.

Middlesex batsman Strauss fell just four runs short of a homecoming hundred at Lord's - it was only the third time in 18 Test innings the 30-year-old had registered a half-century.

And he admitted putting his feet up for the first time in 16 months during the one-day series against the West Indies had been refreshing.

Strauss, who enjoyed a 142-run second-wicket partnership with captain Michael Vaughan after the wicket of Alastair Cook (36) fell, admitted: "I was feeling a little bit jaded after the Durham Test because I'd been doing it for 18 months non-stop.

"It's not a physical tiredness, it's more a mental thing - the stresses and strains that go with the game. That can wear you down a bit.

"You also get worn down by not being in great form. I felt really refreshed after these last four or five weeks."

With rain forecast for the London area, the second day's play is lightly to be affected.

But Kevin Pietersen (34 not out) and Ryan Sidebottom (0 not out) will be hoping to guide the home side to a big total on a quick surface.

England have scored 528 or more in first innings of five of the past six matches at Lord's and such a score will boost their victory hopes.

However, the tourists will be looking to capitalise on Paul Collingwood (0) perishing leg before wicket after Vaughan had edged behind to Rudra Pratap Singh.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.