Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were involved in a century partnership on Day 4 of the Lord's test on Sunday. Image Source: BCCI

Xtra Time Web Desk: Late strikes from Mark Wood and Moeen Ali saw England slightly ahead at stumps on Day 4 of the second test against India at Lords on Sunday. For India, the seasoned duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane found much-needed runs to rescue the team from a perilous position and give their team a fighting chance. When bad light forced early stumps on day four, India reached 181 for six, leading England by 154 runs. Rishabh Pant (14*) is batting with Ishant Sharma (4*).

With in-form openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma departing along with skipper Virat Kohli with the score at 55 for three, the visitors stared at a batting collapse. However, Pujara (45 off 206) and Rahane (61 off 146) thrived under tremendous pressure to bat for almost 50 overs for a 100-run stand, taking the game to Day Five. Their fall in quick succession in the final session tilted the game back in England’s favour. Pujara got an unplayable ball from Mark Wood that rose sharply from back of length to take an edge to Joe Root while Rahane edged one back to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off Moeen Ali.

Three overs later, Moeen bowled a beauty that turned just enough to beat Ravindra Jadeja’s bat and hit the off-stump.

With the pitch already playing a few tricks, England will have to bat extremely well to secure victory.

2nd test Day 4 ENG vs IND: Rahane, Pujara back among runs but late strikes from Moeen Ali see England on top