Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen's combined for an unbroken century stand that put England in promising position on day two of the second Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium.

Cook, continuing his imperious form, scored 87 while the under-fire Pietersen notched up 62 on a pitch that was offering venomous spin. They joined hands with England in a precarious position, losing opener Nick Compton and then Jonathan Trott in quick succession to Pragyan Ojha.

England ended the day at 178/2 after another solid ton by Cheteshwar Pujara pushed India to 327 all out.

The visitors were steadfast in their reply and seemed to have put behind the horrors of the first Test well and truly behind them. Cook and Pietersen both used their feet well, blunting the sharp turn that the Indian spinners extracted, and were extremely positive in intent.

“Kevin today showed what a class player he is. We all know how good a player he is,” Swann told BBC Test Match Special.

“It is great to see him being so positive and playing some old-fashioned KP shots. I'm sure he'll be keen to dig in tomorrow, as will Cookie, and make this partnership massive,” he added.

Earlier, Monty Panesar completed his five-wicket haul, and Graeme Swann finally picked up four as India managed to add 61 runs to their overnight score of 266/6. Pujara was ably supported by Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored 68.