India in commanding 351-run lead over England in the second Test

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India in commanding position in the second Test as Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin steer them to a 351-run lead over England

  • India are 351 runs ahead of England on day three of this second Test match
  • England enjoyed an encouraging first session as they took four wickets
  • India found themselves 106-6 with Jack Leach and Moeen Ali doing the damage
  • But Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have built up a strong partnership

By Pa Reporter

Published: | Updated:

India are in a commanding position to win the second Test against England with a 351-run lead at lunch on day three.

Joe Root’s men enjoyed a productive morning session with some quick thinking from Ollie Stone first running out Cheteshwar Pujara after he had unluckily got his foot caught in the ground.

A few overs later India were reduced to 55-3 with Ben Foakes stumping India’s dangerman Rohit Sharma, who had 161 in the first innings, off the bowling of Jack Leach.

Rishabh Pant came and went, again Foakes stumping him outside his crease off Leach’s bowling. 

Next to go was Ajinkya Rahane, who was caught out by Stone from Moeen Ali’s delivery.

Suddenly India were 86 for 5. Axar Patel came in and added seven runs to the total before being dismissed LBW by Ali.

There were some encouraging signs there for England but then the hosts wrestled back complete control. 

Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, intent on pilling more runs on to their lead, built up a damaging partnership as they steered India past a 300-run lead. 

India’s captain, who has struggled this series for runs, looked confident at the crease, and is closing in on a half century with 38 runs from 86 balls.

Ashwin’s contribution has been impressive as well and has come in good time with 34 scored off 38 balls.

It’s an important sessions coming up for England next and Root’s men will have to find a way to remove Kohli and Ashwin as soon as possible to get the tail in.

The lead already stands at 351, but with time on their side, India will likely want to get that lead up to 400 runs before putting England in to bat for their second innings.