India's star batsman Virat Kohli fell for a nine-ball duck as England's fast bowlers struck early blows in their must-win World Cup clash on Sunday.

Rohit reached his fifty in 66 balls and took India to 89-3 in 24 overs.

England face unbeaten hosts India in Lucknow on Sunday, coming into the contest with four defeats from five matches to languish ninth in the 10-team table and with their hopes of making the semifinals almost over.

England hope to ride their formidable batting firepower to a second successive World Cup title but if India's crafty spinners and sprightly pace attack can fully exploit home conditions the country's cricket-mad fans could have something to celebrate.

Moeen Ali confirmed that he will not be available for the India tour at the start of next year despite Brendon McCullum's request to play on.