India ended day three of the Oval Test on a strong note as the tourists finished 270-3 when the bad light stopped the play. Skipper Virat Kohli was batting at 21 while Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted up the order, was unbeaten at nine.
The highlight of the day’s play was Rohit Sharma’s century, who was out for 127 after being dropped at 31. This was his first Test century outside India. Also chipping in with decent scores were Cheteshwar Pujara and KL Rahul, who made 61 and 46 respectively.
India now have the lead of 171 runs with seven wickets remaining.
Ollie Robinson picked up two wickets while James Anderson dismissed one batsman.
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan told BBC, “The 290 England have scored is what we might look back on at the end of the game. Moeen Ali’s was an awful stroke. If they had have got a lead of 180 I don’t think India would have had any chance.”
India were bowled out for just 191, giving England a decent first innings lead of 99 runs. But Indians have made a strong comeback in their innings and look set to dominate the Test. The series is currently tied at 1-1.
Scores in brief:
India 191 (Thakur 57, Woakes 4-55) & 270-3 (Rohit 127, Pujara 61)
England 290 (Pope 81, Woakes 50)
India are 171 runs ahead