Rishabh Pant’s blistering ton followed by an unbeaten half-century by Washington Sundar put India in a strong position at the end of Day 2 of the final test on Friday.
Resuming at 24/1, Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed by left arm spinner Jack Leach for the 4th time in this series. England all rounder Ben Stokes then got into the act by claiming the big wicket of skipper Virat Kohli for a duck.
Ajinkya Rahane batted positively and looked solid during his knock of 27, before being caught brilliantly by Stokes at slips off James Anderson at the stroke of lunch.
The duo of Rohit Sharma along with wicket keeper Rishabh Pant anchored the innings with a valuable 41 run stand for the fifth wicket before the former fell one run short of a well deserved half century.
Ravi Ashwin after surviving a couple of close calls against Stokes was caught at short mid wicket by Ollie Pope off Leach for 13, leaving the hosts in a spot of bother at 146/6.
The 23 year old flamboyant left handed batsman along with Washington Sundar anchored the innings and attacked the England bowlers with a superb 113 run stand for the seventh wicket. Pant took on Anderson and hit an outrageous reverse sweep off the England veteran.
The southpaw reached his century with a six off Joe Root. The Delhi batsman after reaching his landmark was caught at short mid wicket by England skipper. His enterprising knock of 101 came off 118 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes.
Sundar along Axar Patel saw the day through without any further alarms as India finished the day at 294/7 with an overall lead of 89.
Stumps at the end of Day 2- India 294/7 (Rishabh Pant 101, Washington Sundar 60*; James Anderson 3/40) lead by 89 runs.