Washington Sundar missed out on a maiden test century and was left stranded on 96 not out as India took a massive 160-run lead in the fourth and final test against England on Saturday.
Sundar featured in yet another century partnership with Axar Patel (43) before India lost its last three wickets in the space of five deliveries to get bowled out for 365 on the third day.
England openers Zak Crawley (5) and Dom Sibley (1) survived a nervous three overs before lunch to reach 6-0 in their second innings and still trail by 154 runs.
READ MORE:* World Test Championship: Pant’s superb ton puts India on top in final test vs England* Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli clash as England dismissed on day one of fourth test* World Test Championship: Black Caps will face India or Australia in final after England loss
But Crawley lasted just four deliveries after lunch before he was caught at slip by Ajinkya Rahane off the bowling of Ravi Ashwin.
Jonny Baristow was then out for duck to leave England in deep trouble. It was his third duck in four innings and gave Ashwin two wickets in two balls.
Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images
Washington Sundar hits out during his brilliant counterattacking innings that put India in firm control of the third test.
Ben Stokes got the last two wickets to finish with 4-89 and Patel was run out after adding 106 runs with Sundar.
Resuming on 294-7, Sundar and Patel dominated England’s spinners Dom Bess (0-71) and Jack Leach (2-89) with some exquisite shots.
England opener Dom Sibley is under pressure to get a big score to keep the tourists in the game after a lean tour of India.
Jimmy Anderson also couldn’t run through the tail quickly, but was the pick of the England bowlers with 3-44 off his 25 overs.
Sundar, who had shared a 113-run stand with century-maker Rishabh Pant on Friday, hit 10 fours and a six before he was left disappointed when Stokes clean bowled No 11 Muhammed Siraj as India lost their last three wickets without a run.
India lead the series 2-1 and needs to either win or draw the final test to qualify for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand at Lord’s in June.
Washington Sundar was left stranded on 96 not out as the hosts took charge of the fourth test in Ahmedabad.
