London
Virat Kohli’s brisk 44 strengthened India’s grip on the fourth Test against England at the Oval on Sunday.
India were 329-6 in their second innings at lunch on the fourth day, a lead of 230 runs, with the five-match series all square at 1-1.
Chris Woakes continued his excellent England comeback by taking 2-0 in nine balls before off-spinner Moeen Ali captured the prize wicket of India captain Kohli. Rishabh Pant was 16 not out and fit again all-rounder Shardul Thakur unbeaten on 11.
Significantly, there have only been five successful fourth innings chases of more than 200 at the Oval in Test cricket, with England’s 263-9 against Australia way back in 1902 the highest and the hosts’ 205-2 against South Africa in 1994 the most recent. India resumed on 270-3, already 171 runs ahead.—APP
