India in command - despite more heroics from Bairstow
JONNY Bairstow dashed off another outstanding century, his third in as many Tests and fifth this year - but England were battling the odds after day three of their series decider against India.
His 106 was a typically rambunctious affair, containing 14 boundaries and two sixes, but England still gave up a 132-run lead after being bowled out for 284.
India closed 257 in front on 125 for three, poised for the kind of target that might even intimidate a side who have chased down scores of 277, 299 and 296 over the past month against New Zealand.
Cheteshwar Pujara was doing vital work with an unbeaten 50, but England’s current and former captains did combine to grab the important wicket of Virat Kohli. He looked hungry for a score but was cut short on 20 when he gloved a rising delivery from Ben Stokes and was caught one-handed by Joe Root after a fumble from wicketkeeper Sam Billings.
England were chasing the game at 84 for five at the start of play, 332 adrift with Bairstow and Stokes primed for a counter-attack.
A few heated words between Bairstow and
Kohli appeared to inspire the in-form batter. Bairstow had scored 13 from 61 balls before his verbals with Kohli and scored 93 off his next 79.
When Stokes was dismissed England were 149 for six but Bairstow was well in the zone by now and found solid support in Sam Billings (36).
He eventually fell to Shami then Mohammed
Siraj mopped up the last three wickets to massage his figures, leaving India’s 132 ahead.
James Anderson gave England an ideal start, taking Shubman Gill’s edge with a teasing outswinger from the third ball of the innings.
India opted for pragmatism during an extended evening session, stretching their lead with the kind of safe cricket England have abandoned.
Hanuma Vihari was eventually suckered in by a full one from Broad but it took something more explosive from Stokes to unsettle Kohli.
It felt like a big moment in the match but Pujara’s diligent half-century and a handy 30no from first-innings centurion Rishabh Pant left England as underdogs by stumps.