Rishabh Pant’s dazzling 146 and Ravindra Jadeja’s fine unbeaten 83, led India’s fightback as the visitors recovered from 98/5 to 338/7 at the end of Day 1 of the rescheduled fifth test against England in Birmingham on Friday.
After being asked to bat first by England skipper Ben Stokes, openers Cheteshwar Pujara and Shubman Gill got India off to a solid start. The pair added 27 runs for the opening wicket before the latter poked at a James Anderson delivery outside off stump to Zak Crawley at second slip for 17.
Pujara who overtuned a caught behind decision off Stuart Broad, was finally dismissed by a brilliant delivery by Anderson for 13.
Matthew Potts pegged the visitors back by trapping Hanuma Vihari leg before wicket for 20, and then dismissing the out of form Virat Kohli (11) bowled, while trying to leave at a delivery outside off stump.
Veteran fast bowler James Anderson then claimed his third wicket by dismissing Shreyas Iyer (15), caught brilliantly by wicket keeper Sam Billings down the leg side, leaving India in trouble at 98/5.
Pant and all rounder Jadeja resurrected the innings with a magnificent stand of 222 runs for the sixth wicket before Joe Root broke the partnership by dismissing the former for a 111 ball-146. His knock comprised off 19 fours and 4 sixes.
England skipper Ben Stokes who struggled with non balls through out the day, dismissed Shardul Thakur (1) caught behind with a sharp bouncer.
At stumps, India finished at 338/7 with Jadeja (83*) and Mohammad Shami at the crease.
Stumps at the end of Day 1
India 338 for 7 (Pant 146, Jadeja 83*, Anderson 3-52, Potts 2-85) vs England