England found themselves trapped in India’s spin web once again as they ended Day four of the fourth Test on 182 for six after letting India ride to a first innings total of 631 on back of skipper Virat Kohli’s third double century of the year.
Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin took two wickets apiece to leave England 49 runs adrift of India’s first innings total with four wickets in hand.
Earlier, Kohli smashed 235 runs to stabilize India’s innings and lead them to a commanding total. He was well supported by Jayant Yadav, who scored 104 to complete his maiden Test ton. The duo added 241 runs for the eighth wicket.
Looking to surmount India’s lead of 231, England began on the back foot after losing first innings centurion Keaton Jennings for a golden duck. They lost skipper Alastair Cook with just 43 on the board.
Middle-order batsman Joe Root scored a gritty 77 to keep England in the fight. Jonny Bairstow chipped in with a half century. Ashwin though struck with two late wickets to hand India the upper hand going into the final day.
Ashwin first got Ben Stokes to edge one to second slip with just two over to bowl. He struck again in the final over to send night watchman Jake Ball packing.
Brief scores
England 400 & 182 for six (Joe Root 77, Jonny Bairstow 50 not out; Ravindra Jadeja 2/58, R Ashwin 2/49) trail India 631 (Murali Vijay 136, Virat Kohli 235, Jayant Yadav 104; Adil Rashid 4/192) by 49 runs.
