Cheteshwar Pujara's superb knock helps India to take 27-run lead in 1st innings against England

London: Cheteshwar Pujara’s unbeaten 132 on Friday helped India post 273 in the first innings and take a 27-run lead against England on the second day of the fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl cricket ground.

After restricting England to 246, thanks to strong bowling by pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, the Indian innings didn’t start well as openers Shikhar Dhawan (23) and Lokesh Rahul (19) were dismissed cheaply by Stuart Broad (2/50).

Later on, Pujara came in and added 92 runs for the third wicket in a partnership with skipper Virat Kohli (46), who once again looked good for a big score before Sam Curran got his wicket. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane also got



out cheaply and could only manage to add 11 runs to the team total.

What happened next was something that India could have never imagined as the side slumped from 161 for four to 195 for eight in the final session of play. England off-spinner Moeen Ali (5/63) provided the major wickets and shined for his side. Ali didn’t allow Rishabh Pant (0), Hardik Pandya (4), R Ashwin (1) and Shami (0) to do any damage.

Tailenders Ishant Sharma (14) and Jasprit Bumrah (6) gave momentum to the Indian innings through their pivotal partnerships with Pujara. England finished the second day at six for no loss in their second innings to trail by 21 runs.