Xtra Time Web Desk: A gritty hundred (127) from Rohit Sharma and an useful 61 from Cheteshwar Pujara saw India scoring 270/3 at sumps on Day 3 of the fourth test match at the Oval on Saturday.
India now have a lead of 171 runs with two days of play left and skipper Virat Kohli (22 batting) at the crease with Ravindra Jadeja (9 batting).
For England, Ollie Robinson picked two wickets while James Anderson got the other wicket.
Having displayed sound defensive technique throughout the series with unflinching determination, the innings of 127 (256 balls) was the culmination of all the hardwork put in over the past two years.
The 153-run second wicket stand with a confident Cheteshwar Pujara (61 off 127 balls) had put India in a position of command at 236 for 1 before Ollie Robinson (21-4-67-2) got quick breakthroughs with the second new ball saw to sent packing two set batsmen.
While Rohit misjudged a slower delivery as he couldn”t keep his pull shot down, Robinson bowled an in-cutter that took the inside edge off Pujara”s bat into the pads and flew towards slip for an easy catch.
At stumps, Indian captain Virat Kohli (22 batting) looked in good nick in the company of Ravindra Jadeja (9 batting), who was once again promoted ahead of Ajinkya Rahane.
Any target in excess of 225 and closer to 250 will be challenging on this track and especially with a batting line-up where Joe Root is the only consistent performer.
Earlier in the day KL Rahul batted with a positive intent before getting out to a Anderson beauty for 46. He cover drove Robinson for a boundary and then hooked him for a six.
Brief Scores: India 191 and 270/3 (Rohit Sharma 127, Cheteshwar Pujara 61, KL Rahul 46, Ollie Robinson 2/67, James Anderson 1/49). England 290.