NASSER HUSSAIN filled the breach of England's problematic number three position and marched away a hero, justifying his selection with a splendid come back century during the second day of the first Test against India at Edgbaston yesterday.

Hussain required the combined assistance of debut making tailenders Min Pate and Alan, Mullally, who loyally kept him company following an all too familiar England collapse.

But few would begrudge Hussain his joyous bat waving, air punching salute after reaching three figures in his eighth Test and first since August 1993.

By underpinning a disintegrating innings with 128 runs, Hussain led England from an even seven position into one of strength taking them to 313 before being last out.

When bad light ended play 15 overs early, India were still 94 runs adrift having reached five for nought second time abound and facing an uphill struggle for survival.

Patel (18) and last man Mullally (14) helped Hussain during two crucial stands worth 49 runs apiece, which revived England from 215 for eight. But it was Hussain who deserved huge praise for a five hour innings, studded for others with 18 fours and a six after others had fallen by the wayside.

India are not without hope, thanks to the sterling efforts of Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad, who finished with four wickets apiece. But they will need to bat exceptionally well today on a surface that is not straightforward.

Predictably enough after last year's debacle when the Test against West Indies finished before Saturday lunch, Warwickshire are touchy about their pitch and were not happy to read criticism of innings.

The hall continued to lift disconcertingly at times, but too many of England's dismissals were down to bats men error. In particular, Mike Atherton was guilty of poor footwork when medium pacer Paras Mhambrey tempted him with an away swinger.