Cheteshwar Pujara’s century keeps India afloat on Day 2

TIL Desk Sports/ Moeen Ali spun England right back into contention on a fluctuating second day of the fourth Test with five wickets as India slumped to 273 all out in their first innings on Friday.

At 142-2 India were well-placed to build a healthy first innings lead having bowled England out for 246 but Sam Curran took the vital wicket of Virat Kohli before off spinner Ali ripped through the middle order with a stunning spell.

India still eeked out a precious 27-run lead though thanks to number three Cheteshwar Pujara who scored his first Test century in England, ending on a magnificent 132 not out. The hosts, looking to wrap up a series win, survived a tricky three-over spell before stumps to reach 6-0 with Alistair Cook on two and Keaton Jennings on four.

A composed Pujara came to the crease in the eighth over of India’s innings and batted superbly, sharing a 92-run partnership with Kohli before putting on 78 for the last two wickets with tailenders Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.