The six powerplay overs produced 65 runs for England and although Botha returned to briefly calm the scoring rate, he was frustrated when Kieswetter, on 29, lofted to deep mid-wicket where JP Duminy settled under the ball only to fumble the chance.

BBC: England sink South Africa to close in on T20 semi-final

There was little to entice any newcomers in the first session, but India should have given those present an early wicket when Katich fished at the impressive Sharma, only for Rahul Dravid to fumble a regulation chance to his left at wide first slip.

BBC: Aussies shackled by patient India