That brought Laxman to join Sachin Tendulkar at the crease and for a time the veteran duo looked to be steering India back into contention.

BBC: VVS Laxman guides India to Test victory over Australia

However, as the half wore on, United's veteran midfield duo of Paul Scholes and Giggs started to impose themselves on the game with Nani - who replaced Antonio Valencia in the starting line-up - also finding space on the right.

BBC: Manchester United 3-0 West Ham

Nico Rosberg completed a disappointing afternoon for Williams as he failed to take part in the second session, which saw the Toro Rosso duo of Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastian Vettel also eliminated along with Red Bull veteran David Coulthard and Honda's Jenson Button.

CNN: Hamilton heads McLaren 1-2 in Hungary qualifying

Hodgson has harnessed the composure of veteran Danny Murphy in midfield and this, coupled with the return from injury of key duo Jimmy Bullard and Brian McBride, has proved the catalyst for recovery.

BBC: Hodgson braced for final hurdle