India hit back in the second one-day international against England, sealing a nine-run victory in Bristol.

Sachin Tendulkar was once again the talisman for the home side as he hit 15 fours and a six on his way to an 80th career ODI half-century before eventually falling in controversial circumstances on 99.

However, despite the questionable dismissal of Tendulkar who was given out caught behind off the bowling of Andrew Flintoff when the ball appeared to strike his arm guard, India set a target of 330 after winning the toss and deciding to bat first.

Tendulkar was ably assisted by Yuvraj Singh (49) and captain Rahul Dravid (92 not out) as India thrashed an England bowling attack - from which Monty Panesar was omitted in favour of an extra seamer - all around the Bristol pitch.

Flintoff, who was bowling for only the second time for England following his latest bout of ankle surgery, limited the damage as he claimed his first one-day international five-wicket haul.

However, it was India's day in the baking heat despite the Lancashire all-rounder's stirring performance in which he took the wickets of Dinesh Karthik, Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar in his final two overs.

India closed on 329-7 to leave England requiring the highest ever second innings total to win a one-day international.

In reply, England got off to a solid start and were 76 without loss before openers Alastair Cook (36) and Matt Prior (33) fell in successive deliveries to a jubilant Munaf Patel.

The home side were now on the back foot and Kevin Pietersen (25) was next to fall as he was bamboozled by just the second ball of Piyush Chawla's spell.

Pietersen's middle stump was taken out by the 18-year-old leg-spinner and the writing was now on the wall for England.

Chawla repeated the feat to remove captain Paul Collingwood (27) to leave England in trouble on 174-6 in the 30th over and Flintoff (9) fell by the wayside soon afterwards when he was caught on the boundary looking to hit Powar for a six.

Ian Bell (64) provided some resistance as he notched a brave half-century off 75 balls before following Ravi Bopara (17) into the pavilion in the space of four overs.

Dimitri Mascarenhas (52) and Stuart Broad (29 n.o) provided some late hope as they reached 320-8, but India were on top from start to finish and levelled the seven-match series at 1-1.