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Sat, 12 November 2016
1st Test: Hameed, Cook steer England to 114-0 at stumps on Day 4
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17:09 Hameed, Cook steer England to 114-0 at stumps on Day 4
STUMPS - DAY 4
England 114-0 (37 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
It has been a good session for England as they cruise to 114 for no loss in 37 overs to stretch their overall lead to 163 runs with one full day's play remaining.
The young Hameed impressed yet again as he hit a half-century on debut to remain unbeaten on 62 at stumps, while Cook was content to play second fiddle on a patient innings of 46.
The Indian bowlers toiled hard and except for a few deliveries which turned and bounced, there was not enough help to trouble the two England openers, who batted solidly and showed great resolve to keep the spinners at bay.
Earlier, England secured a 48-run first innings lead after bowling out the Indians for 488. The Indians had Ashwin to thank for cutting down the lead as the all-rounder played a good innings on 70, adding 64 runs for the seventh wicket with Saha, after they had lost Kohli and Rahane quite early in the morning session.
Unless England look to raise the tempo and score some quick runs in the pursuit of a result in the morning session on Day 5, the match looks set for a draw.
STUMPS - DAY 4
England 114-0 (37 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
It has been a good session for England as they cruise to 114 for no loss in 37 overs to stretch their overall lead to 163 runs with one full day's play remaining.
The young Hameed impressed yet again as he hit a half-century on debut to remain unbeaten on 62 at stumps, while Cook was content to play second fiddle on a patient innings of 46.
The Indian bowlers toiled hard and except for a few deliveries which turned and bounced, there was not enough help to trouble the two England openers, who batted solidly and showed great resolve to keep the spinners at bay.
Earlier, England secured a 48-run first innings lead after bowling out the Indians for 488. The Indians had Ashwin to thank for cutting down the lead as the all-rounder played a good innings on 70, adding 64 runs for the seventh wicket with Saha, after they had lost Kohli and Rahane quite early in the morning session.
Unless England look to raise the tempo and score some quick runs in the pursuit of a result in the morning session on Day 5, the match looks set for a draw.
17:01 Hameed, Cook steer England to 114-0 at stumps on Day 4
England 114-0 (37 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
This has been a difficult Test match for Ashwin, having claimed two wickets in 46 overs in the first innings, while he is yet to pick one in eight overs in the second.
The pitch is still good for batting except for the odd delivery which has kicked off and England's openers have gone about their task quite sensibly.
Mishra bowls a quicker one but slips it wide down the leg side as wicketkeeper Saha fails to collect to give away four byes and Hameed drives the next ball along the ground to long-off for a single.
Just two overs left for stumps as Jadeja replaces Ashwin, who has gone wicketless in 10 overs, while giving away 32 runs.
Mishra to bowl the final over as Hameed flicks the first ball through midwicket for two runs and then takes a single before a solid Cooks sees off the last over of the day.
England 114-0 (37 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
This has been a difficult Test match for Ashwin, having claimed two wickets in 46 overs in the first innings, while he is yet to pick one in eight overs in the second.
The pitch is still good for batting except for the odd delivery which has kicked off and England's openers have gone about their task quite sensibly.
Mishra bowls a quicker one but slips it wide down the leg side as wicketkeeper Saha fails to collect to give away four byes and Hameed drives the next ball along the ground to long-off for a single.
Just two overs left for stumps as Jadeja replaces Ashwin, who has gone wicketless in 10 overs, while giving away 32 runs.
Mishra to bowl the final over as Hameed flicks the first ball through midwicket for two runs and then takes a single before a solid Cooks sees off the last over of the day.
16:28 Hameed hits half-century on debut as England swell lead
England 92-0 (29 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
On a pitch where England's spinners got a lot of assistance, Kohli bowling pacers from both ends as they look to build the pressure with some tight bowling.
But England are content to bat at the rate they are doing at the moment, going at just over three runs per over for 77 runs in 25 overs.
The good opening stand has put England in pole position in terms of pushing for victory on the final day when the pitch is expected to get worse for batting.
Kohli brings back his premier spinner Ashwin back into the attack as Mishra continues to wait for his bowling in the second innings.
Once again he drifts on the pads as Cook turns it on the leg side for a single. Debutant Hameed defends solidly against Ashwin before cutting a short ball through the covers for a four as he fast approaches a half-century on debut.
Finally Mishra comes into the attack, to bowl the 27th over. He gets one to grip and turn as Hameed leaves the ball well wide of off-stump before seeing off the rest of the over.
He survives a leg before shout in the next over off Ashwin as the LBW appeal, turned down by the umpire, is referred for DRS but it is comfortably outside the off-stump and not striking the stumps.
Hameed opens the face of the bat and steers Mishra through thirdman for a four to bring up a half-century on debut, from 94 balls, having hit four fours and a six.
The 19-year-old is the third youngest English batsman to hit a fifty in Test cricket as his family celebrates in the stands with father Ismail trying his best to stop his tears.
Mishra ends the over with a beauty, getting one to turn big as Hameed is beaten as he looks to defend.
England 92-0 (29 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
On a pitch where England's spinners got a lot of assistance, Kohli bowling pacers from both ends as they look to build the pressure with some tight bowling.
But England are content to bat at the rate they are doing at the moment, going at just over three runs per over for 77 runs in 25 overs.
The good opening stand has put England in pole position in terms of pushing for victory on the final day when the pitch is expected to get worse for batting.
Kohli brings back his premier spinner Ashwin back into the attack as Mishra continues to wait for his bowling in the second innings.
Once again he drifts on the pads as Cook turns it on the leg side for a single. Debutant Hameed defends solidly against Ashwin before cutting a short ball through the covers for a four as he fast approaches a half-century on debut.
Finally Mishra comes into the attack, to bowl the 27th over. He gets one to grip and turn as Hameed leaves the ball well wide of off-stump before seeing off the rest of the over.
He survives a leg before shout in the next over off Ashwin as the LBW appeal, turned down by the umpire, is referred for DRS but it is comfortably outside the off-stump and not striking the stumps.
Hameed opens the face of the bat and steers Mishra through thirdman for a four to bring up a half-century on debut, from 94 balls, having hit four fours and a six.
The 19-year-old is the third youngest English batsman to hit a fifty in Test cricket as his family celebrates in the stands with father Ismail trying his best to stop his tears.
Mishra ends the over with a beauty, getting one to turn big as Hameed is beaten as he looks to defend.
15:46 Openers Cook, Hameed stretch England's lead
England 70-0 (20 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
Five overs for Ashwin in the opening spell before Kohli brings back pace in the form of Umesh Yadav. He attempts a short ball at Cook, who pulls it comfortably through square leg for a four to take his score to 27.
Meanwhile, Jadeja continues his long first spell as he bowls his ninth over on the trot but still no signs of leg-spinner Amit Mishra despite the good showing by Rashid earlier in the day.
A desperate Kohli has now brought on fast bowlers from both ends with Jadeja also taken off the attack after nine overs.
England have progressed nicely to 70 for no loss in 20 overs to swell their lead to 119 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.
Hameed has been positive from the start, to score 46 from 68 balls, while Cook has grown in confidence after a nervy start to make 29 from 52 balls.
England 70-0 (20 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
Five overs for Ashwin in the opening spell before Kohli brings back pace in the form of Umesh Yadav. He attempts a short ball at Cook, who pulls it comfortably through square leg for a four to take his score to 27.
Meanwhile, Jadeja continues his long first spell as he bowls his ninth over on the trot but still no signs of leg-spinner Amit Mishra despite the good showing by Rashid earlier in the day.
A desperate Kohli has now brought on fast bowlers from both ends with Jadeja also taken off the attack after nine overs.
England have progressed nicely to 70 for no loss in 20 overs to swell their lead to 119 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.
Hameed has been positive from the start, to score 46 from 68 balls, while Cook has grown in confidence after a nervy start to make 29 from 52 balls.
15:22 England off to a good start to swell lead
England 52-0 (15 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
Three overs for Ashwin with the new ball before he makes way for Ravichandran Ashwin. He starts immediately from round the wicket as Cook defends the first three balls before taking one on the leg side and Hameed also picks a single from the last ball.
Hameed benefits from an overthrow in the next over as he taps Jadeja on the off-side and sets for a quick single before Yadav at point gets a direct hit but ends up giving away five overthrows.
Ashwin gets one to spit off the surface from outside the of-stump as Hameed offers no stroke and watches it hit him high on the thigh pads.
Two balls later, Ashwin offers some width as Hameed cuts it past the slip fielder for a four to take his score to 22 from 27 balls. Ashwin switches to round the wicket but overpitches as Hameed plays a beautiful drive through the covers for another boundary.
Ashwin bowls a couple of good deliveries to Hameed, who twice plays down the wrong line and is lucky to survive.
Meanwhile, Cook is growing in confidence and is not sparing anything on his pads. He whips Ashwin off his pads through midwicket to take England past the 50-run mark, in the 14th over and stretch their lead over the 100-run mark.
England 52-0 (15 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
Three overs for Ashwin with the new ball before he makes way for Ravichandran Ashwin. He starts immediately from round the wicket as Cook defends the first three balls before taking one on the leg side and Hameed also picks a single from the last ball.
Hameed benefits from an overthrow in the next over as he taps Jadeja on the off-side and sets for a quick single before Yadav at point gets a direct hit but ends up giving away five overthrows.
Ashwin gets one to spit off the surface from outside the of-stump as Hameed offers no stroke and watches it hit him high on the thigh pads.
Two balls later, Ashwin offers some width as Hameed cuts it past the slip fielder for a four to take his score to 22 from 27 balls. Ashwin switches to round the wicket but overpitches as Hameed plays a beautiful drive through the covers for another boundary.
Ashwin bowls a couple of good deliveries to Hameed, who twice plays down the wrong line and is lucky to survive.
Meanwhile, Cook is growing in confidence and is not sparing anything on his pads. He whips Ashwin off his pads through midwicket to take England past the 50-run mark, in the 14th over and stretch their lead over the 100-run mark.
14:59 England off to a confident start after taking lead
England 24-0 (6 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
Alastair Cook and Haseeb Hameed to open the innings for England after they took a handy first innings lead.
Mohammed Shami opens the bowling for the hosts as Cook looks to turn the first ball on the leg side but misses and gets a leg bye.
Youngster Hameed gets a freebie, a full delivery on the pads which he flicks behind square on the leg side for a four to get off the mark.
Ravindra Jadeja to bowl the second over as Ashwin gets a bit of rest after his long vigil with the bat, which helped India cut down the lead.
The first ball falls just short of the fielder at short leg before Cook is again struck on the pads but the LBW appeal is turned down and the Indians decide against taking the DRS and rightly so as it appeared be going down the leg side.
Cook stays back and looks to cut but gets an inside edge which passes close to the stumps. He is staying back and this time he gets his bat down in time to turn it on the leg side for one.
A single each for Cook and Hameed off Shami's second over who is bowling with a good pace but not making anything happen unlike Jadeja from the other end.
Cook going across to Jadeja again as he flicks it fine on the leg side for a four. The next ball kicks off length as Cook is hit on the gloves but it falls out of the reach of the fielder at short leg.
Shami bowls a good fast short ball to Cook, who pulls it unconvincingly and is lucky that the ball falls just short of Pujara at deep square leg.
Out of nowhere the young Hameed comes down the track and blasts Jadeja over long-off for a six.
England have made a confident start to reach 24 for no loss in six overs, stretching their lead to 73 runs.
England 24-0 (6 ovs) & 537 vs India 488 | Scorecard
Alastair Cook and Haseeb Hameed to open the innings for England after they took a handy first innings lead.
Mohammed Shami opens the bowling for the hosts as Cook looks to turn the first ball on the leg side but misses and gets a leg bye.
Youngster Hameed gets a freebie, a full delivery on the pads which he flicks behind square on the leg side for a four to get off the mark.
Ravindra Jadeja to bowl the second over as Ashwin gets a bit of rest after his long vigil with the bat, which helped India cut down the lead.
The first ball falls just short of the fielder at short leg before Cook is again struck on the pads but the LBW appeal is turned down and the Indians decide against taking the DRS and rightly so as it appeared be going down the leg side.
Cook stays back and looks to cut but gets an inside edge which passes close to the stumps. He is staying back and this time he gets his bat down in time to turn it on the leg side for one.
A single each for Cook and Hameed off Shami's second over who is bowling with a good pace but not making anything happen unlike Jadeja from the other end.
Cook going across to Jadeja again as he flicks it fine on the leg side for a four. The next ball kicks off length as Cook is hit on the gloves but it falls out of the reach of the fielder at short leg.
Shami bowls a good fast short ball to Cook, who pulls it unconvincingly and is lucky that the ball falls just short of Pujara at deep square leg.
Out of nowhere the young Hameed comes down the track and blasts Jadeja over long-off for a six.
England have made a confident start to reach 24 for no loss in six overs, stretching their lead to 73 runs.
14:21 India bowled out for 488, England take 49-run lead
India 488-all out (162 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ashwin finally perishes after a superb innings of 70, caught in the deep on the leg side off Moeen as India are bowled out for 488.
It was the last ball of the over and Ashwin decided to have a go with the fielders called in but he could not clear the midwicket fence.
But he played his part with the bat, hitting seven fours in his 139-ball knock, putting on vital 29 runs for the last wicket with Shami, who was unbeaten on eight.
India are bowled out for 488 in 162 overs, giving England a slender but vital lead of 49 runs on a pitch starting to play some tricks.
India's lower order once again came to the party as the last four wickets added 127 runs after India were reduced to 361 for six following Kohli's dismissal.
Leg-spinner Rashid was England's best bowler as he claimed four for 114 in 31 overs, while his spin partners Moeen and Ansari picked up two wickets each. Pacers Broad and Stokes bagged a wicket each, while Woakes bowled his heart out but finished wicketless in 31 overs.
It remains to be seen how India's bowlers, especially the spinners fare on this wicket and if England will push for victory or be content to play for a draw.
India 488-all out (162 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ashwin finally perishes after a superb innings of 70, caught in the deep on the leg side off Moeen as India are bowled out for 488.
It was the last ball of the over and Ashwin decided to have a go with the fielders called in but he could not clear the midwicket fence.
But he played his part with the bat, hitting seven fours in his 139-ball knock, putting on vital 29 runs for the last wicket with Shami, who was unbeaten on eight.
India are bowled out for 488 in 162 overs, giving England a slender but vital lead of 49 runs on a pitch starting to play some tricks.
India's lower order once again came to the party as the last four wickets added 127 runs after India were reduced to 361 for six following Kohli's dismissal.
Leg-spinner Rashid was England's best bowler as he claimed four for 114 in 31 overs, while his spin partners Moeen and Ansari picked up two wickets each. Pacers Broad and Stokes bagged a wicket each, while Woakes bowled his heart out but finished wicketless in 31 overs.
It remains to be seen how India's bowlers, especially the spinners fare on this wicket and if England will push for victory or be content to play for a draw.
14:05 Ashwin hits half-century to cut down England's lead
India 487-9 (160 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Rashid picks another one as Yadav goes for a wild slog sweep but gets a top edge and Stokes takes a superb catch on the off-side.
India, still trailing by 78 runs, lose their ninth wicket as Ashwin watches from the end with his score on 49.
India's innings would have been wrapped up by now but Cook in the slips puts down a straightforward chance as Shami gets an edge off Broad. That was like catching practice for Cook, who lets it go through his hands, perhaps his mind was already thinking of opening the batting.
Broad bowls a bouncer as Ashwin looks to swat it but misses it. He then steers the fifth ball to thirdman for a single to bring up his half-century from 111 balls.
A very important innings from the India all-rounder which has helped keep his team afloat on a wicket getting difficult for batting.
Shami glances the last ball to fine leg but Ashwin turns down the single to keep strike for the next over bowled by Rashid.
The next ball is short and Ashwin places it perfectly between deep square leg and deep midwicket for a four.
The fifth ball is short again and also wide as Ashwin steers it past short thirdman for the second four of the over before he cuts the last ball to point for a single to keep strike.
Ashwin turning it on now. A short ball from Broad is ramped over the keeper by the right-hander for a four even though he didn't get the desired elevation on that shot.
Ashwin has hit 13 runs from the last six balls to cut down the deficit to 62 runs.
He hits another cracking cover drive off a half-volley but the fielder at short covers is able to stop it.
Ashwin looks in solid touch at the moment. Rashid drops it slightly short and Ashwin manages to go back and punch it through the covers for a four despite the field being well spread around.
And again off the fifth ball he sensibly picks a single to give Shami the strike only for the final delivery. And to everyone's surprise Shami heaves the last ball over the midwicket fence for a big six.
11 runs from the over cuts down England's lead to just 50 runs.
India 487-9 (160 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Rashid picks another one as Yadav goes for a wild slog sweep but gets a top edge and Stokes takes a superb catch on the off-side.
India, still trailing by 78 runs, lose their ninth wicket as Ashwin watches from the end with his score on 49.
India's innings would have been wrapped up by now but Cook in the slips puts down a straightforward chance as Shami gets an edge off Broad. That was like catching practice for Cook, who lets it go through his hands, perhaps his mind was already thinking of opening the batting.
Broad bowls a bouncer as Ashwin looks to swat it but misses it. He then steers the fifth ball to thirdman for a single to bring up his half-century from 111 balls.
A very important innings from the India all-rounder which has helped keep his team afloat on a wicket getting difficult for batting.
Shami glances the last ball to fine leg but Ashwin turns down the single to keep strike for the next over bowled by Rashid.
The next ball is short and Ashwin places it perfectly between deep square leg and deep midwicket for a four.
The fifth ball is short again and also wide as Ashwin steers it past short thirdman for the second four of the over before he cuts the last ball to point for a single to keep strike.
Ashwin turning it on now. A short ball from Broad is ramped over the keeper by the right-hander for a four even though he didn't get the desired elevation on that shot.
Ashwin has hit 13 runs from the last six balls to cut down the deficit to 62 runs.
He hits another cracking cover drive off a half-volley but the fielder at short covers is able to stop it.
Ashwin looks in solid touch at the moment. Rashid drops it slightly short and Ashwin manages to go back and punch it through the covers for a four despite the field being well spread around.
And again off the fifth ball he sensibly picks a single to give Shami the strike only for the final delivery. And to everyone's surprise Shami heaves the last ball over the midwicket fence for a big six.
11 runs from the over cuts down England's lead to just 50 runs.
13:31 Jadeja dismissed for 12, India lose 8th wicket
India 453-8 (154 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Rashid comes in after the drinks break, replacing Moeen as Ashwin takes a single on the off-side.
Jadeja gives his home fans something to cheer after a few quiet overs as he comes down and lofts Rashid over long-on for a six to bring England's lead under the 100-run mark.
In the next over, Ashwin plays a beautiful cover drive for a four off Broad to inch closer to his fifty.
But India suffer another blow in the next over as Jadeja is caught at short leg for 12. Rashid gets one to bounce off length, hitting Jadeja on the gloves who had gone back to defend and Hameed at short leg completes an easy catch.
India 453-8 (154 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Rashid comes in after the drinks break, replacing Moeen as Ashwin takes a single on the off-side.
Jadeja gives his home fans something to cheer after a few quiet overs as he comes down and lofts Rashid over long-on for a six to bring England's lead under the 100-run mark.
In the next over, Ashwin plays a beautiful cover drive for a four off Broad to inch closer to his fifty.
But India suffer another blow in the next over as Jadeja is caught at short leg for 12. Rashid gets one to bounce off length, hitting Jadeja on the gloves who had gone back to defend and Hameed at short leg completes an easy catch.
13:14 Ashwin, Jadeja keep England's bowlers at bay
India 436-7 (150 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
The two Indian spinners did a lot of bowling in England's first innings and now they will be required to do a job with the bat as well.
Ashwin has been defending quite well, infact, has also got the runs at a good rate, to score 43 from 98 balls.
The departure of Saha has slowed down the scoring rate but new batsman Ravindra Jadeja has so far had nothing to worry about.
He has faced 14 deliveries to score four runs as India quietly move to 436 for seven in 150 overs, trailing England by 101 runs.
Ashwin's good form with the bat in the last year or so has been a big boost for India and given them the freedom to go in with five bowlers. Here again, he has made it count with another good innings for the team's cause.
India 436-7 (150 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
The two Indian spinners did a lot of bowling in England's first innings and now they will be required to do a job with the bat as well.
Ashwin has been defending quite well, infact, has also got the runs at a good rate, to score 43 from 98 balls.
The departure of Saha has slowed down the scoring rate but new batsman Ravindra Jadeja has so far had nothing to worry about.
He has faced 14 deliveries to score four runs as India quietly move to 436 for seven in 150 overs, trailing England by 101 runs.
Ashwin's good form with the bat in the last year or so has been a big boost for India and given them the freedom to go in with five bowlers. Here again, he has made it count with another good innings for the team's cause.
12:45 Saha dismissed for 35, India lose 7th wicket
India 425-7 (144 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Saha looking to be positive against Moeen, as he lofts him gently over the leg-side for a single to wide long-on. He repeats the shot a few deliveries but this time gets it a lot straighter for a boundary through long-on.
But Moeen gets revenge immediately as Saha perishes off the next ball, caught behind as he tries to cut a short ball but ends up hitting it straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Bairstow.
Saha played a good innings of 35, putting on 64 runs for the seventh wicket with Ashwin to steady the Indian innings following two early wickets on Day 4.
India 425-7 (144 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Saha looking to be positive against Moeen, as he lofts him gently over the leg-side for a single to wide long-on. He repeats the shot a few deliveries but this time gets it a lot straighter for a boundary through long-on.
But Moeen gets revenge immediately as Saha perishes off the next ball, caught behind as he tries to cut a short ball but ends up hitting it straight into the gloves of wicketkeeper Bairstow.
Saha played a good innings of 35, putting on 64 runs for the seventh wicket with Ashwin to steady the Indian innings following two early wickets on Day 4.
12:32 Ashwin, Saha rally India after early wickets on Day 4
India 419-6 (142 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Welcome to the coverage of the post-lunch session with India doing well in the morning session despite the loss of Kohli and Rahane for not much addition to the score.
Moeen starts off for England after the break and Saha gets going with a single on the leg side and Ashwin picks one from the fifth ball.
It's pace from the other end in the form of Woakes, who has been England's best fast bowler in the last two days. He starts with a bouncer as Ashwin ducks under it before he drives the fifth ball through the covers for three.
Ashwin has a close shave as he plays from the backfoot and is saved by the inside edge as Moeen gets one to spin sharply.
India 419-6 (142 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Welcome to the coverage of the post-lunch session with India doing well in the morning session despite the loss of Kohli and Rahane for not much addition to the score.
Moeen starts off for England after the break and Saha gets going with a single on the leg side and Ashwin picks one from the fifth ball.
It's pace from the other end in the form of Woakes, who has been England's best fast bowler in the last two days. He starts with a bouncer as Ashwin ducks under it before he drives the fifth ball through the covers for three.
Ashwin has a close shave as he plays from the backfoot and is saved by the inside edge as Moeen gets one to spin sharply.
11:38 Ashwin, Saha rally India to 411-6 at lunch on Day 4
LUNCH - DAY 4
India 411-6 (137 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
A good effort by Saha and Ashwin to put on 50 runs for the seventh wicket and steer India to 411 for six in 137 overs at lunch on Day 4.
Interestingly, both batsmen are unbeaten on 29 each, as they batted quite sensibly for 17.3 overs following the quick dismissals of Kohli and Rahane.
Rahane, who made 13, was bowled by Ansari, and a few overs later Kohli was dismissed hitwicket for 40.
India are still trailing England by 126 runs but with the pitch having eased out they will be hoping to get close to the visitors' score in the post-lunch session.
LUNCH - DAY 4
India 411-6 (137 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
A good effort by Saha and Ashwin to put on 50 runs for the seventh wicket and steer India to 411 for six in 137 overs at lunch on Day 4.
Interestingly, both batsmen are unbeaten on 29 each, as they batted quite sensibly for 17.3 overs following the quick dismissals of Kohli and Rahane.
Rahane, who made 13, was bowled by Ansari, and a few overs later Kohli was dismissed hitwicket for 40.
India are still trailing England by 126 runs but with the pitch having eased out they will be hoping to get close to the visitors' score in the post-lunch session.
11:35
India 411-6 (137 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ashwin and Saha have settled down nicely as they pick four singles from Rashid's 26th over before the latter plays out a maiden over from Stokes.
The duo have spent more than 15 overs at the crease putting on 47 runs for the seventh wicket before England make a change.
Moeen is brought into the attack for the first time on Day 4. The first ball turns big, hitting Ashwin on the pads after an inside edge before he goes back and punches the next ball to point for one before Saha plays out the over.
Two singles in the final over of the session bowled by Stokes as the duo raise the 50-run stand for the seventh wicket.
India 411-6 (137 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ashwin and Saha have settled down nicely as they pick four singles from Rashid's 26th over before the latter plays out a maiden over from Stokes.
The duo have spent more than 15 overs at the crease putting on 47 runs for the seventh wicket before England make a change.
Moeen is brought into the attack for the first time on Day 4. The first ball turns big, hitting Ashwin on the pads after an inside edge before he goes back and punches the next ball to point for one before Saha plays out the over.
Two singles in the final over of the session bowled by Stokes as the duo raise the 50-run stand for the seventh wicket.
11:11 Ashwin, Saha take India past 400
India 403-6 (132 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ansari drops short as Ashwin rocks back and cuts it behind square on the off-side for another four to race to 15 from 13 balls. India will need their lower order to contribute with the bat and reduce the deficit as much as possible.
The pitch is playing some tricks now as Rashid gets one to bounce and turn hitting Rahane on the gloves who comes forward to defend but he ends up with two runs to thirdman.
He looks to drive the next ball which is a bit wider but is beaten as England appeal for caught behind but it is rejected and they decide against going for the DRS.
Saha keeps strike with a single from the last ball on the off-side.
Ashwin seems to be having no problems and has been very positive with footwork as he clips a full delivery from Ansari through midwicket for a single.
Saha paddles the left-arm spinner fine on the leg side for two runs before he defends the last ball.
Rashid appeals for LBW against Ashwin, who seems to have defended it right off the middle of the bat. Umpire Dharmasena rightly turned it down but surprisingly England asked for the DRS which also went in Ashwin's favour.
Saha gets a lifeline as he edges Stokes as it goes between the wicketkeeper and the slip fielder for a four. Two singles from the last two balls as Saha-Ashwin keep the scoreboard moving as India look to get as close as possible to England's first innings score.
Saha looks to paddle sweep Rashid but misses as the ball goes to the right of the wicketkeeper for a couple of byes.
Ashwin looks to steer Stokes to thirdman but the fielder at a wide second slip stops it and he is beaten off the next ball, trying to drive it through the off-side.
Saha gets into the act, hitting Rashid straight back over his head for a six to take India past the 400-run mark, in the 132nd over.
India 403-6 (132 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ansari drops short as Ashwin rocks back and cuts it behind square on the off-side for another four to race to 15 from 13 balls. India will need their lower order to contribute with the bat and reduce the deficit as much as possible.
The pitch is playing some tricks now as Rashid gets one to bounce and turn hitting Rahane on the gloves who comes forward to defend but he ends up with two runs to thirdman.
He looks to drive the next ball which is a bit wider but is beaten as England appeal for caught behind but it is rejected and they decide against going for the DRS.
Saha keeps strike with a single from the last ball on the off-side.
Ashwin seems to be having no problems and has been very positive with footwork as he clips a full delivery from Ansari through midwicket for a single.
Saha paddles the left-arm spinner fine on the leg side for two runs before he defends the last ball.
Rashid appeals for LBW against Ashwin, who seems to have defended it right off the middle of the bat. Umpire Dharmasena rightly turned it down but surprisingly England asked for the DRS which also went in Ashwin's favour.
Saha gets a lifeline as he edges Stokes as it goes between the wicketkeeper and the slip fielder for a four. Two singles from the last two balls as Saha-Ashwin keep the scoreboard moving as India look to get as close as possible to England's first innings score.
Saha looks to paddle sweep Rashid but misses as the ball goes to the right of the wicketkeeper for a couple of byes.
Ashwin looks to steer Stokes to thirdman but the fielder at a wide second slip stops it and he is beaten off the next ball, trying to drive it through the off-side.
Saha gets into the act, hitting Rashid straight back over his head for a six to take India past the 400-run mark, in the 132nd over.
10:30 Kohli and Rahane perish, India in trouble
India 361-6 (120 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ravichandran Ashwin looks confident right from the start as he plays a cut shot off Ansari through point for a four.
In the next over, India are dealt a big blow as Kohli is dismissed hit wicket for 40. The right-hander goes right back to pull a short ball from Rashid which bounces more than expected as the left leg clips the stumps and dislodges the bails.
That is a big blow for India as they are reduced to 361 for six, in the 120th over.
India 361-6 (120 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Ravichandran Ashwin looks confident right from the start as he plays a cut shot off Ansari through point for a four.
In the next over, India are dealt a big blow as Kohli is dismissed hit wicket for 40. The right-hander goes right back to pull a short ball from Rashid which bounces more than expected as the left leg clips the stumps and dislodges the bails.
That is a big blow for India as they are reduced to 361 for six, in the 120th over.
10:14 Rahane dismissed for 13, India lose 5th wicket
India 351-5 (117 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Kohli hammers a full delivery from Broad straight back past mid-off for a four. In the next over Rahane again takes on the short ball, from Woakes, pulling it confidently through square leg for a four as India go past the follow-on mark.
Time for spin as Rashid comes into the attack, to bowl the 116th over. Three singles from the first four balls before Rashid bowls a beauty, bounce and turn as Rahane goes for the drive but is beaten and even keeper Bairstow is caught off-guard as the ball goes past for four byes.
Ansari comes on from the other end and he strikes with the key wicket of Rahane. The right-hander goes back to pull but plays all over it and is bowled for 13.
That was not short enough as Rahane went back to pull it through the leg side but missed it and was bowled as India are reduced to 349 for five.
India 351-5 (117 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Kohli hammers a full delivery from Broad straight back past mid-off for a four. In the next over Rahane again takes on the short ball, from Woakes, pulling it confidently through square leg for a four as India go past the follow-on mark.
Time for spin as Rashid comes into the attack, to bowl the 116th over. Three singles from the first four balls before Rashid bowls a beauty, bounce and turn as Rahane goes for the drive but is beaten and even keeper Bairstow is caught off-guard as the ball goes past for four byes.
Ansari comes on from the other end and he strikes with the key wicket of Rahane. The right-hander goes back to pull but plays all over it and is bowled for 13.
That was not short enough as Rahane went back to pull it through the leg side but missed it and was bowled as India are reduced to 349 for five.
10:07 Kohli, Rahane build India's total on Day 4
India 328-4 (112 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
First up we have left-arm spinner Ansari, who has three deliveries left in his over which was left unfinished because of Amit Mishra's dismissal last evening.
Ajinkya Rahane confidently defends the first two balls before he gets off the mark with a single on the leg side off the last ball of the over.
Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. He attempts a short ball as Rahane pulls it to fine leg for a single and Virat Kohli plays a beautiful cover drive off the last ball for the first boundary of the day.
Infact, we have pacers from both ends as Chris Woakes comes in for Ansari. Rahane had a few problems against the short ball during the Test series against New Zealand and here agin Engalnd's pacers deciding to test him with bouncers.
Rahane again plays the pull shot off Woakes for a single to deep square leg and he repeats the shot in the next over for two runs as he pulls Broad a bit squarer this time around.
India 328-4 (112 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
First up we have left-arm spinner Ansari, who has three deliveries left in his over which was left unfinished because of Amit Mishra's dismissal last evening.
Ajinkya Rahane confidently defends the first two balls before he gets off the mark with a single on the leg side off the last ball of the over.
Stuart Broad to bowl from the other end. He attempts a short ball as Rahane pulls it to fine leg for a single and Virat Kohli plays a beautiful cover drive off the last ball for the first boundary of the day.
Infact, we have pacers from both ends as Chris Woakes comes in for Ansari. Rahane had a few problems against the short ball during the Test series against New Zealand and here agin Engalnd's pacers deciding to test him with bouncers.
Rahane again plays the pull shot off Woakes for a single to deep square leg and he repeats the shot in the next over for two runs as he pulls Broad a bit squarer this time around.
09:18 India hope to build score on Day 4, England eye wickets
India 319-4 (108.3 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Welcome to the coverage of Day 4 of the first Test between India and England in Rajkot on Saturday.
India made a good reply with the bat on Day 3 before a few late wickets boosted England late in the day.
India lose two quick wickets in the space of four deliveries to be reduced to 319 for four in 108.3 overs at stumps on Day 3.
Captain Kohli was unbeaten on 26 after nightwatchman Amit Mishra was caught at short leg for a duck in the final over of the day.
Earlier, Vijay and Pujara hit centuries as India dominated with the bat for most part of the day.
Vijay hit a gritty 126, while Pujara hit a fluent 124 as the duo put on 209 runs for the second wicket to lead India's strong reply with the bat.
India 319-4 (108.3 ovs) vs England 537 | Scorecard
Welcome to the coverage of Day 4 of the first Test between India and England in Rajkot on Saturday.
India made a good reply with the bat on Day 3 before a few late wickets boosted England late in the day.
India lose two quick wickets in the space of four deliveries to be reduced to 319 for four in 108.3 overs at stumps on Day 3.
Captain Kohli was unbeaten on 26 after nightwatchman Amit Mishra was caught at short leg for a duck in the final over of the day.
Earlier, Vijay and Pujara hit centuries as India dominated with the bat for most part of the day.
Vijay hit a gritty 126, while Pujara hit a fluent 124 as the duo put on 209 runs for the second wicket to lead India's strong reply with the bat.
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