LONDON: India hope to stretch their lead of 154 towards the realms of 200 as the fourth day’s play ended at the Lord’s with the tantalising prospect of a bar-room brawl to the finish on Monday.
India were 181/6 with Rishabh Pant remains the sole recognised batsman at the crease.
Cheteshwar Pujara (45) and Ajinkya Rahane (61), both of whom had previously struggled for runs this series, checked England’s progress albeit it took them 59 overs to add exactly 100 for the fourth wicket.
But then Mark Wood claimed a wicket from nowhere before Moeen Ali struck twice in eight balls as India lost three wickets for 20 runs.
Express quick Wood dismissed Pujara before off-spinner Moeen removed Rahane and the dangerous Ravindra Jadeja.
England will hope they can clean up a lengthy tail with the second new ball.
