2nd Test: Wokes, Bairstow give England 250-run lead over India on Day 3

London, Aug 12 - England rode on and Chris Woakes (120 not out) Jonny Bairstow (93) to reach 357 for six wickets and take a huge 250-run lead over India on the third day of the second Test at the

Thereafter, Woakes joined Bairstow in the middle and the duo kept frustrating the Indian bowlers with some risk-free batting, that saw them reach to their respective half centuries in no time.

Then Indian bowlers tried to contain the runs, setting defensive fielding placements. It allowed the English pair to get singles and doubles without any pressure.

Woakes hit a short-pitch delivery from Shami towards the deep midwicket for a four to bring his three-figure mark.

Bairstow, however, was not lucky. He took a lot of time in his nineties before a drive off Hardik proved fatal as a diving wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik plucked a very good catch to bring relief to India.

Later, Sam Curran (22 not out) and Woakes took England to 357/6 when bad light forced early close of the day's play.

Brief scores: England: 357/6 (Chris Woakes 120 not out; Jonny Bairstow 93; Mohammed Shami 3/74) vs India 107 at stumps on Day 3.

---

IANS