Virat Kohli stands firm as India need 84 runs to win first Test vs England

Birmingham, Aug 4 - Skipper Virat Kohli's unbeaten 43-run knock helped India score 110/5 at stumps on the third day of the first Test against England here on Friday. India need another 84 runs to win. After bowling out the

Left-hander Broad could only edge an away moving ball from Ishant as it landed in the hands of Shikhar Dhawan at first slip.

Then, Curran's innings ended when he cut off a short and wide delivery from Umesh that went into the hands of Karthik, brining an end to the second innings of England, who have a 13-run lead after posting 287.

In the third session, India came to chase 194, but English bowlers made it difficult for the batsmen right from the start as the hosts started pressurizing the Indian batters.

The success came in the sixth over when India's Murali Vijay (6) was dismissed by pacer Stuart Broad. In the very next over Shikhar Dhawan (13) was also sent packing by Broad.

Lokesh Rahul (13) also failed as he was dismissed by Ben Stokes when scoreboard was reading 46.

With three batsmen in dug-out, it was all dependet on Kohli but lack of support costed India in the last session. Ajinkya Rahane (2) and Ashwin (13) were also sent back to the pavilion cheaply.

The scoreboard was reading 78/5 when Karthik joined hands with Kohli. The duo played sensibly and helped India end the day's play without losing anymore wickets.

For England, Broad took two wickets while James Anderson, Stokes and Curran chipped in with one wicket each.

 

---

IANS