India v England, 2nd Test, Day 3 as it happened – England faced with record 399 target

The second Test is heading into a fourth day with England still in with a chance of pulling another famous win.

But it’ll take a record chase for them to get there, with England needing 399 in the fourth innings, which would be the best-ever effort in India.

Shubman Gill’s excellent hundred lifted India to 255 all out despite a brilliant opening spell from James Anderson (2-29) and some good returns for spinners Tom Hartley (4-77) and Rehan Ahmed (3-88), as well some superb catches, including this gem from Ben Stokes.

But England have made a bright start to their attempted record chase, reaching the close on 67-1, with Ben Duckett the wicket to fall for a fast-paced 28.

Zak Crawley (29*) and nighthawk Rehan Ahmed will resume when play begins again on Monday morning.

Centurion Gill ended the day with a pitchside interview where he said that India were 70-30 favourites to win the Test from here, which given the circumstances and weight of history on their side is a big compliment to England.

In fact, Sir Alastair Cook says that India’s approach in the final session with both bat and ball is an indication that they fear Bazball a little.

And England veteran Anderson has told Eoin Morgan on TNT Sports that the team feel “well in the game”, which says so much about England’s mindset in this era.

Can they do it? Join us right here on TNT Sports and discovery+ to follow the fourth day’s action and find out, with play due to start at 4am UK time.

TNT Sports have the rights to broadcast this full series in the UK, so tune in to TNT Sports and discovery+ right now to see the day’s play unfold.

England started the day in spectacular fashion as James Anderson produced a magical early spell that picked up two wickets and could have yielded even more.

England’s 41-year-old did bag both openers in that spell, cleaning up Rohit Sharma and having Yashasvi Jaiswal caught behind.

But Shubman Gill managed to survive a nervous start, narrowly avoiding an lbw call on umpire’s call, reviewing another lbw that was only overturned by a feather of an edge he knew nothing about, and edging just past first slip.

And the India number three kicked on after those reprieves to score an outstanding 100, with 11 fours and two sixes coming in his 147-ball 104.

Shreyas Iyer (29), Axar Patel (45) and Ravichandran Ashwin (29) all made notable contributions to India’s lead, but England’s young spin attack bowled them out on the day, aided by some stunning fielding.

A brilliant Ben Stokes catch to remove Shreyas was the most eye-catching moment of the day.

But wicketkeeper Ben Foakes also enjoyed an excellent day behind the stumps, taking three sharp catches.

Tom Hartley with 4-77 and Rehan Ahmed with 3-88 finished with the best figures, with Anderson taking 2-29 from his ten overs and Shoaib Bashir ending with 1-58.

However, England were without Joe Root for much of the day after he took a blow to the finger from a ball that dropped short of him at slip in the morning session.

England made a rapid start to their chase of a record 399 to win, scoring at almost five-an-over despite Jasprit Bumrah conceding just nine runs from his five overs.

Ben Duckett fell to a brilliant diving catch from KS Bharat after inside edging Ravi Ashwin onto his pads for 28 from 27 balls.

But Zak Crawley (29*) and Rehan Ahmed (9*) got England through to the close at 67-1, with Rehan promoted up the order into the ‘nighthawk’ role.

TNT Sports is the new official broadcast home of England men’s tours of India in 2024, 2025 and 2028.

TNT Sports has also agreed a deal to show exclusive live coverage of every red-ball and white-ball international series played in India for the next five years.

• England’s five-Test tour of India, starting on Thursday 25 January, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s white ball tour (3 x ODIs and 5 x T20s) of India in January-February 2025
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s tour of India, currently scheduled for January-February 2028.

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You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

England require 332 runs to win

It’s nighthawk time as Rehan hacks Axar to the square leg boundary and finishes off the day with a booming cut that fizzes wide of slip and away to the rope.

This England side are pure entertainment and Rehan will be back out in the middle looking to counter-attack on the fourth morning.

That’s stumps with England still 332 away from what would be an historic win. India require nine more wickets.

England require 342 runs to win

Ashwin pitches one a little too full and Crawley creams it to the long-off boundary.

Stumps is just one over away after this one, but that doesn’t stop Crawley unfurling a long-armed sweep with fielders up around the bat. He gets it away safely but it’s cut off. Rehan will be on strike with Axar Patel set to come into the attack.

England require 346 runs to win

Kuldeep continues and England play it relatively safe, with Crawley knocking the over for three.

England require 349 runs to win

Ben Duckett caught by KS Bharat bowled Ravichandran Ashwin for 28 (27b)

Ashwin is into the attack and Duckett edges straight over the keeper’s head for four.

But the wicket does come in Ashwin’s first over as Duckett inside-edges an attempted flick onto his pads and it loops up high enough to allow Bharat to pull off a brilliant diving catch.

Rehan Ahmed is the new batter. He’s a sort of attacking nightwatchman… or a nighthawk if you will.

England require 353 runs to win

This England team are really something, and with the close of play on the horizon Duckett pulls out a highly-aggressive pull that races away to the boundary.

This opening partnership in particular has been excellent since Stokes and McCullum took charge.

England require 358 runs to win

Crawley reacts with a nod of appreciation as a beauty from Bumrah whips past the outside edge.

It’s lovely bowling and England are content to see out Bumrah if they can, scoring almost exclusively from the bowler at the other end – be that Mukesh of Kuldeep so far.

But if Bumrah ever does stray from his line then England will pick him off, and Crawley does that with a flick for two off the last ball of the over.

England require 360 runs to win

Duckett isn’t in complete control as he lofts one to the square leg boundary that was in the air for some time.

Six runs come off the Kuldeep over as England keep on ticking over.

The fourth umpire comes on to change the bails.

England require 366 runs to win

Bumrah continues and Crawley flicks him away for a couple.

It’s been good from Bumrah, but not as dangerous as he was in the first innings when he found that reverse with the older ball. That’s a challenge that could await England tomorrow.

England require 368 runs to win

Mukesh is taken out of the attack and it’s time for some spin.

Crawley prods tentatively at the first ball that keeps low and beats the outside edge.

And that is the reminder he needed to be positive in his approach, defending with a firm stride the next ball before launching a huge six over long on.

England require 375 runs to win

Duckett sees a hint of width from Bumrah and check-drives for four through the covers. That’s a lovely shot and he sees out the remainder of the over safely too.

England require 379 runs to win

Mukesh is given a bit of a stare from the umpire for his follow through as Erasmus inspects the pitch. Maybe that put him off, as he oversteps for a no-ball next up.

Crawley unfurls a gem of a straight drive to send Mukesh to the boundary, and clips one off his legs for another four through midwicket.

The contrast between the challenges from each end is pretty stark.

England require 389 runs to win

Surviving Bumrah is not going to be straightforward for these England openers, as the strike bowler beats the edge of Crawley’s bat twice in his second over.

On the second occasion there’s some interest from some of the fielders about an edge, but Rohit opts against the review and makes a thumbs-up gesture with a big grin when the big screens show that there was a gap between bat and ball.

It’s a maiden for Bumrah.

England require 389 runs to win

The trumpets sound as Duckett tears into Mukesh Kumar, hitting him for back-to-back fours at the end of the over, smearing one away through the covers and then smashing another to the deep point boundary.

England require 398 runs to win

The crowd are on tenterhooks as Jasprit Bumrah takes the new ball.

He tears in and his pace and unusual release point draws a low bounce out of the surface inside the first over, which is going to make this even more challenging for England.

Crawley gets the last ball of the over away for a single.

India are of course massive favourites, with a talented bowling attack ready to tear into England for this final hour, and with the pitch starting to break up and perform inconsistently too.

The target is 399, which is a long, long way off, and would be the best ever fourth-innings chase ever seen in India.

But with Bazball-era England you never know.

• 387-4 – India v England in 2008
• 276-5 – West Indies v India in 1987
• 276-5 – India v West Indies in 2011
• 262-5 – India v New Zealand in 2012
• 256-8 – India v Australia in 1964

TNT Sports have the rights to broadcast this full series in the UK, so tune in to TNT Sports and discovery+ right now to see the day’s play unfold.

TNT Sports is the new official broadcast home of England men’s tours of India in 2024, 2025 and 2028.

TNT Sports has also agreed a deal to show exclusive live coverage of every red-ball and white-ball international series played in India for the next five years.

• England’s five-Test tour of India, starting on Thursday 25 January, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s white ball tour (3 x ODIs and 5 x T20s) of India in January-February 2025
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s tour of India, currently scheduled for January-February 2028.

Ravichandran Ashwin caught by Ben Foakes bowled Rehan Ahmed for 29

Ashwin’s innings comes to an end as Foakes holds on to another decent catch behind the stumps as Rehan finds the edge.

It’s all over for Ashwin, whose 29 came from 61 balls – an innings that Ravi Shastri on commentary has described as bizarre given the circumstances

Sir Alastair Cook on TNT Sports says that India’s approach since tea has been an example of fear of Bazball, with the home side worried about the chase despite leaving England requiring a record target of 399 to win.

India lead England by 398 runs

Jasprit Bumrah caught by Jonny Bairstow bowled Tom Hartley for 0 (26b)

England finally get the breakthrough as Bumrah’s gutsy stay comes to an end when he edges Hartley to Bairstow in the cordon, who takes an excellent low catch.

He faced 26 deliveries without scoring, but did his job to allow Ashwin to tick the score over.

Mukesh Kumar is the new batter and he survives the last two balls of the over.

India lead England by 398 runs

A ball from Rehan kicks up at Ashwin from a length, and he takes that as his cue to change method, launching the leg-spinner for a massive maximum next ball.

A leg-side delivery last up gifts Ashwin another four, although that does mean Bumrah will be on strike from the start of the next.

That was an excellent over from India though, with ten runs coming from it.

India lead England by 388 runs

Bumrah blocks out another over after Ashwin takes the single, and that means the lead is now up to 388, passing the highest ever total for a successful fourth-innings chase in India.

That effort from India in 2008 is far and away the best ever chase in a men’s Test in their home country, and England will need to set another record if they are to somehow win this game. It’s a huge ask.

India lead England by 387 runs

Rehan beats Ashwin with a ripper off the first ball of the over, and there’s almost a costly mix-up from the second as Ashwin tries to come back for two, changes his mind and leaves Bumrah in trouble. He would probably have been out too, had the throw from the reserve fielder been better.

Bumrah does very well to make it through the rest of the over, as Rehan beats him a couple of times but can’t find the edge.

India lead England by 386 runs

On we go. One run comes from Hartley’s over and the battle continues.

The new ball isn’t a million miles away now, which might change the dynamic.

India lead England by 385 runs

Ashwin happily takes on a drag down from Rehan and pulls it away for four.

A hard-run two off a thick edge comes the scoreboard moving and wakes up the crowd after that recent lull.

Bumrah defends forward to the last ball of the over and the battle continues.

India lead England by 378 runs

Hartley turns one past the outside edge of Bumrah, who survives again.

Bumrah then sets off for an attempted quick single off the penultimate ball of the over, which Ashwin understandably turns down. He gets back into his ground safely, despite Foakes’ best efforts.

TNT Sports have the rights to broadcast this full series in the UK, so tune in to TNT Sports and discovery+ right now to see the day’s play unfold.

India lead England by 377 runs

Ashwin manages to get a single off the last ball of another good over from Rehan and will keep the strike.

Who will blink first in this odd spell?

India lead England by 376 runs

England are extremely happy for Ashwin to take a single and then bring in the close fielders to target Bumrah.

Hartley almost gets him too, turning one past the outside edge.

India lead England by 375 runs

Rehan beats Bumrah all ends up with a beauty to end another good over. That did absolutely everything except find the edge, skimming past the bat and narrowly missing off stump too.

He’s bowled really nicely today, Rehan.

India lead England by 374 runs

That’s a life for Ashwin as he’s dropped by Crawley. He wafts at one from Hartley and edges straight to slip, but Crawley puts it down. That should have been taken.

India lead England by 373 runs

Rehan continues and he rips one past the outside edge of Bumrah’s bat with Foakes whipping off the bails, but that’s safe enough for the batter.

Can India get the lead up to 400?

India lead England by 372 runs

Kuldeep Yadav caught by Ben Duckett bowled Tom Hartley for 0 (5b)

England are on a roll and Kuldeep slog-sweeps Hartley straight into the air and it’s caught by Duckett in the ring. He goes without troubling the scorers.

Jasprit Bumrah is the new batter.

India lead England by 371 runs

KS Bharat caught by Ben Stokes bowled Rehan Ahmed for 6 (28b)

Rehan gets a wicket in the first over after tea, and it’s a bit of a gift. He drags one down and Bharat plops it straight into the hands at mid-on.

Could Bharat potentially be replaced in this team for the third Test? That’s a debate for another day, but India are seven down.

TNT Sports have the rights to broadcast this full series in the UK, so tune in to TNT Sports and discovery+ right now to see the day’s play unfold.

England will be feeling better after two wickets at the back end of the session, but India are firmly in control of this game thanks in a large part to Shubman Gill’s excellent 104.

Gill survived twice on DRS early in his innings and edged just past Root at first slip, but having been handed those extra lives he took full advantage with a century that will relieve the pressure on him.

England did bag a couple of wickets later in the session though, both on review.

Gill departed eventually, gloving Shoaib Bashir to Ben Foakes as England tried all sorts with their fielding set-ups.

And Axar Patel (45) was trapped lbw by Tom Hartley to one that kept low, leaving India 227-6 at tea.

It’s been a decent effort from England, who are without the bowling of Joe Root due to a finger injury, but India’s lead stands at a daunting 370.

But to put that into context, no touring team in history has won a men’s Test in India when chasing more than 276.

Despite the perilous game-state, it’s still been a day with highs for England.

James Anderson was the star early on, getting the ball to talk in a brilliant opening spell that saw him dismiss both openers.

And Ben Stokes showed off his rediscovered athleticism after knee surgery with a quite brilliant catch to account for Shreyas Iyer (29).

TNT Sports is the new official broadcast home of England men’s tours of India in 2024, 2025 and 2028.

TNT Sports has also agreed a deal to show exclusive live coverage of every red-ball and white-ball international series played in India for the next five years.

• England’s five-Test tour of India, starting on Thursday 25 January, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s white ball tour (3 x ODIs and 5 x T20s) of India in January-February 2025
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s tour of India, currently scheduled for January-February 2028.

India lead England by 370 runs

Bharat drives back down the ground for a boundary and it’s five runs off Hartley’s over.

That’s the last over before tea.

India lead England by 365 runs

England review again as Rehan spins one past the inside edge and into the pads of Bharat.

It’s turned too much though, with DRS saying it’s going down leg and England lose a review. Bharat gives a big exhale, knowing he’s got a bit lucky there.

India lead England by 365 runs

Ashwin is a very good number eight, but England try and get in his head with some fascinating fields and adjustments after every ball as he faces Hartley.

Two leg byes come off the first ball of the over, and that’s the lot for Ashwin, who plays it safe.

India lead England by 363 runs

It’s another maiden for Rehan as England enjoy a strong mini-spell here. Ravichandran Ashwin is the new batter, but he spends the first over at the non-striker’s end.

India lead England by 363 runs

Axar Patel lbw to Tom Hartley for 45 (84b)

England have another and Hartley gets his reward for plugging away. One keeps low and Axar tries to chop his bat down but doesn’t get there in time as the ball cannons into his pads.

It was initially given not out on the field, with the possibility of it being bat first and also a tad leg side, but England review and it’s three reds.

That’s the end of the over, making it a wicket maiden for Hartley.

India lead England by 363 runs

That’s really nice from Rehan, who is getting good drift and picks up a maiden.

India lead England by 363 runs

India still bat pretty deep even without Jadeja in the XI and these two will look to continue building.

Bashir’s latest over goes for two singles.

India lead England by 361 runs

The batter is KS Bharat and he starts at the non-striker’s end.

Rehan’s latest over features potentially the worst ball of the day – a leg-side drag down that Axar swipes at and gets enough on to pick up four down the leg side. That’s pretty average cricket all round.

India lead England by 354 runs

Shubman Gill caught Ben Foakes bowled Shoaib Bashir for 104 (147b)

Ben Stokes is trying all sorts with his field now, experimenting with various unusual fielding positions, and it may have got into Gill’s head.

The century-maker tries a reverse-sweep with a heavily leg-side field, and he gloves one up in the air to Foakes.

It’s not initially given, but England review and the contact with the glove is clear. Gill has to go for 104.

Root suffered a painful blow to his finger early in the day when an edge dropped short of him and slip and struck him painfully as he tried to stop the ball.

England have released the following statement:

India lead England by 352 runs

England don’t have Root available to them as he gets treatment on that finger injury and Stokes is trying not to break Anderson by over-bowling him, so it’s another go for Rehan – the only change really available to him.

Rehan nearly gets his man as England set a trap for Axar and he takes it on, chipping just over the head of Stokes at mid-on, picking up a risky four.

India lead England by 348 runs

England are getting through their overs quickly but without troubling India particularly.

One delivery from Bashir turns a long way from short of a length, which will be a concern for any England batters hoping to pull of this monster run chase.

India lead England by 346 runs

India are looking to grind England into the dirt here and they get through another Hartley over with no real risks. It’s a seven-ball over in fact, with the left-arm spinner overstepping on his sixth delivery.

India lead England by 344 runs

It’s a hundred for Shubman Gill. He got a few slices of luck early on, but it’s been a superb knock since then, and a timely one for a player who was coming under a bit of pressure for his place in the XI.

He brings up three figures with a nudge into the leg side for a single off Bashir and raises his bat in celebration.

India lead England by 341 runs

Axar pulls a short-pitched ball from Hartley away for four, and there’s a huge cheer when he knocks a single next ball to get Gill on strike. But it won’t be his century just yet as England plug the gaps and make him wait, with a clip into the leg side taking him up to 97.

It’s time for drinks in Vizag.

India lead England by 335 runs

Gill is one shot away from a terrific century. He got some strokes of luck early on, surviving two lbw shouts on DRS and looking like a cat on a hot tin roof against Anderson. But he’s been outstanding since then, and his efforts are putting India in complete control of the Test.

A sweep over square leg goes for four and he finishes the over a hard-run two.

India lead England by 329 runs

Stokes moves his field around but there’s no joy for England, who are struggling a little here.

Two more singles are added.

India lead England by 327 runs

Bashir is bowling tidily but not causing this Indian pair many problems. He goes for one single in the over.

India lead England by 326 runs

It’s all feeling very sedate at the moment and England need some spark. The lead is already huge.

Hartley’s latest over goes for just the one run but is pretty harmless.

India lead England by 325 runs

Bashir races through another over and India are content to work him for a couple of singles.

India lead England by 323 runs

Hartley replaces Rehan and he’s driven for four first ball of his spell by Axar as India kick on.

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India lead England by 317 runs

Bashir really rattles through his overs, and another quick one goes for two singles. India are looking comfortable now, and this pair have the skill-sets to take this game out of England’s reach, if it isn’t already.

India lead England by 315 runs

England try to stem the flow of runs by giving Rehan some protection, but India take that opportunity to knock the leg-spinner for six singles in the over.

India lead England by 309 runs

Bashir comes into the attack and he starts tidily, going for one run.

India will be happy to have seen off Anderson after lunch, and are now in a position to kick on and really grind England down.

There’s an update from the England camp too, who say that Joe Root will stay off the field for ice and treatment on his finger. There’s no suggestion that it’s a serious injury at this stage, but it does leave England down a bowling option.

India lead England by 308 runs

Gill puts on a show as he tears into Rehan’s latest over, and he takes the lead up to 300 with a lofted drive back down the ground that flies all the way for six.

He follows that up with a sweep that runs away to the boundary, and then drives elegantly for four to get the crowd off their seats.

India lead England by 294 runs

Anderson goes searching for the edge and an slightly over-pitched ball is sent to the rope by Axar.

India lead England by 290 runs

India are handed an extra run as Anderson’s throw hits the stumps and deflects away for overthrows. He apologises to the bowler Rehan for costing him a run.

India lead England by 288 runs

Anderson is back on the money and India see out his over for just the one single.

India lead England by 287 runs

Rehan was the pick of the spinners in the morning session and he gets a go straight after the interval.

Five singles come from this over as India work the ball around nicely, settling in for a session that could and probably should end with them in a completely dominant position in the match.

India lead England by 282 runs

Joe Root is still off the field with that injury to his finger. Not great news for England.

Anderson takes the ball at the start of the second session. He was incredible at the start of the day and will be hoping to make this older ball reverse.

There’s a big appeal as he strikes Gill on the front pad, but that was high and replays show it got an inside edge too, so little wonder Stokes opted against the review. England have all three of their reviews remaining at the moment.

Anderson bowls three unusually poor deliveries to finish the over, with Axar driving the first off the back foot for four, and two singles into the leg side round off an expensive over.

TNT Sports have the rights to broadcast this full series in the UK, so tune in to TNT Sports and discovery+ right now to see the day’s play unfold.

India lead by 273 after a morning session that saw wickets fall, runs flow and England hold on to two brilliant catches.

James Anderson’s stunning spell of swing bowling early on saw him take two wickets to get the day off to a spectacular start. And Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes produced two terrific pieces of fielding to ensure four wickets fell in the session to leave India 130-4 at lunch, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on 60*.

However, India’s lead of 273 means they are still well in control of this Test, with six wickets still in hand and the best part of three days remaining in the game.

The record chase for a touring team in India is 276, and that was way back in 1987 by West Indies in Delhi, so England are going to need to produce something historic from here if they are to go 2-0 up in the series.

James Anderson starred early on day three, getting the ball to talk in an opening spell that yielded two quick wickets and could have bagged even more.

Rohit Sharma was the first to go, worked over by England’s swing master and playing all around one that ripped out off stump. And Yashasvi Jaiswal was Anderson’s second victim, edging to Joe Root at first slip.

Anderson beat the bat on a number of occasions and thought he had Shubman Gill too, with England reviewing an lbw decision and the India number three saved by a narrow umpire’s call decision on height.

That was Gill’s second let-off on review, after he had opted to go upstairs when given out on-field against Tom Hartley, only to be saved by a feather of an inside edge that the batter clearly knew nothing about.

India were on the ropes in the early stages, with Gill edging just past first slip and Iyer nicking Anderson short of Root at first slip, who hurt his finger in attempting to stop the ball and did not bowl again in the session.

But Gill made the most of his reprieves and counter-attacked against England’s young spinners, finishing the session 60* from 78 balls and lifting India to a lead that will win most matches.

However, two stunning bits of fielding late in the session mean that England went in at lunch reasonably pleased with their first two hours.

The first came from captain Ben Stokes, who held on to a blinder off Hartley to remove Shreyas Iyer (29), taking the catch over his shoulder and on the run in a wonderful piece of athleticism.

And wicketkeeper Ben Foakes produced another great piece of fielding to dismiss Rajat Patidar (1), showcasing his immense talents with the gloves to snaffle a low inside edge off Rehan Ahmed.

TNT Sports is the new official broadcast home of England men’s tours of India in 2024, 2025 and 2028.

TNT Sports has also agreed a deal to show exclusive live coverage of every red-ball and white-ball international series played in India for the next five years.

• England’s five-Test tour of India, starting on Thursday 25 January, will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s white ball tour (3 x ODIs and 5 x T20s) of India in January-February 2025
• TNT Sports will broadcast England’s tour of India, currently scheduled for January-February 2028.

India lead England by 273 runs

Rehan finishes the session with a probing over, very nearly beating the defences of Axar with a googly last up.

It’s lunch and England have had a good session there, but it could have been even better had they got a slice of fortune early on.

India lead England by 272 runs

Anderson returns to the attack for a short burst before lunch. He was so good in that initial spell, taking two wickets and went very close to picking up Gill too.

Stokes opted to kept that early spell short, knowing that he’ll needs the 41-year-old to come back for a few stints today in all likelihood, and Anderson starts well again as he searches for some reverse from this older ball.

Three runs come from the over as Axar jabs his bat down to keep out the last one.

India lead England by 269 runs

It’s a maiden for Rehan, who has been pretty good this morning.

India lead England by 269 runs

It’s Axar Patel in at six for India and he has his sights set on lunch. He helps play out Hartley’s latest over with limited risk, picking up four singles.

India lead England by 265 runs

Rajat Patidar caught by Ben Foakes bowled Rehan Ahmed for 9 (19b)

Patidar starts another Rehan over by putting away a short ball through the covers for four.

But he falls off the final ball of the over, and it’s a really superb catch from Ben Foakes, as he takes an inside edge by Patidar off Rehan beautifully.

That is world-class wicket-keeping and England have their tails up again.

India lead England by 261 runs

Hartley continues with England still on the hunt for wickets. Getting three down this morning is a decent effort, but the lead is growing all the time.

A solitary single from Patidar comes from the over.

India lead England by 260 runs

Rehan continues as he gets some flight and dip in a nice over that goes for just the one run.

India lead England by 259 runs

Shreyas Iyer caught by Ben Stokes bowled Tom Hartley for 29 (52b)

What a catch from Ben Stokes! The England captain has changed the approach with Hartley, bringing the field up and encouraging India to have a hit over the top, and it yields results as Shreyas skies one into the deep. It’s a hugely difficult catch for the England captain, running back and taking a sprawling catch over his shoulder, but he pulls it off and launches into a big celebration.

There’s a hint of a run-out opportunity late in the over, but Pope needed a direct hit and Gill makes his ground.

Rajat Patidar is the new batter and he helps Gill milk the rest of the over for five singles.

India lead England by 254 runs

Gill creams a straight drive back past Rehan and then unfurls a gem of a drive next up to reach his half-century with back-to-back boundaries.

He got three let-offs early in his innings, but he’s taken advantage.

India lead England by 246 runs

A full toss from Hartley is swept for four by Gill and India are well on top again here.

Seven runs come from the over and England need to find a way to change the momentum.

India lead England by 239 runs

Better from Rehan and it’s a maiden.

India lead England by 239 runs

Could Anderson have maybe bowled a couple more early on? It’s a tricky balancing act for Stokes, who needs to avoid the temptation of bowling the 41-year-old into the ground with a spell that takes him out of the equation for the rest of the day. But he was looking so good that it must surely have been tempting to keep him on for just a little.

Root is out of the attack for now with that finger injury too, and the young English spin trio aren’t looking very threatening at the moment.

Hartley’s latest over goes for five runs and Stokes looks deep in thought as he ponders what comes next in the search for wickets.

India lead England by 234 runs

It’s time for a bit of Rehan as England search for some x-factor impact.

He goes looking for wickets, but Gill lashes two cuts to the rope in the over and the runs are really flowing for India now.

India lead England by 225 runs

Hartley isn’t looking particularly threatening and he’s milked for three runs.

The fifty partnership comes up for these two, and it’s been exactly what India needed, adding quick runs and restoring a sense of calm after the Anderson-induced chaos at the start of the day.

Root is off the field again getting that sore finger looked at.

India lead England by 222 runs

Bashir continues after drinks and four singles come from his over. England need a bit of inspiration here to halt this India consolidation.

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India lead England by 218 runs

Hartley fires one down the leg side and Shreyas puts it away for four.

The lead is now 218 – more than anyone has successfully chased in a fourth innings in India in the last 12 years. That won’t massively worry England, who have made a habit of pulling off incredible run chases, but they still need eight wickets and it’s going to take something particularly extraordinary for them to get out of this situation.

That’s drinks after a fascinating first hour.

India lead England by 212 runs

Bashir continues and his latest over goes for three singles. It’s beginning to look a bit more settled for India after that dramatic start to the session.

India lead England by 209 runs

The luck is certainly going Gill’s way this morning as he edges Hartley but perfect bisects Foakes and Root behind the stumps. That’s a third let-off for India’s number three and the ball runs away for four to add insult to injury.

Gill clips a wayward delivery to the boundary next ball.

India lead England by 200 runs

The fifty comes up for India courtesy of two singles off Bashir and there’s a blast from the horns in the crowd as the home fans celebrate.

Every run India can add to their lead will make the fourth innings even tougher for England, and there’s another huge cheer as Gill finishes the over by launching a massive six down the ground to take the lead up to 200.

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India lead England by 191 runs

This Indian pair are starting to look a bit more settled out in the middle, and the scoreboard is still firmly in their favour despite those early wickets.

Hartley’s latest over goes for two singles.

Root has been off the field just getting that finger checked after an edge dropped short of him at slip a couple of overs ago. He’s okay to continue with no obvious strapping visible.

India lead England by 189 runs

Bashir replaces Anderson after four magnificent overs from the veteran bowler. That’s an interesting call – is Stokes looking for him to change ends? Or potentially using his main weapon in short bursts throughout the day?

The young spinner gets turn and bounce but India look comfortable enough as they take four runs from the over.

India lead England by 185 runs

It’s another over for Hartley and India play it out for two singles.

India lead England by 183 runs

Shreyas squirts one away through the covers for two off Anderson. He was not in control of that at all, and Anderson is continuing to cause India’s batters significant issues.

An edge drops well short of Root at first slip next ball, with the bouncing ball catching Root on the end of the finger and running away for another single.

Stokes does well to save a boundary off the last ball of the over as Gill unfurls the drive and four runs come off the over.

It’s still a bit gloomy and hazy out there, but things are slowly brightening up. How much more damage can Anderson cause in this spell? He has two already, but England need more.

India lead England by 179 runs

Hartley continues with two right-handers on strike, and one single comes from a tight over.

The task for India is to just see out this testing spell without too much further damage. The weather should become clearer as the morning unfolds, and it’ll be easier to score later on, so they just need to stick in there if they can.

India lead England by 178 runs

It’s another big let-off for Gill. He plays all around an Anderson delivery that swings into the pads and England opt for the review. It’s a tad on the high side, and that’s what saves him, with DRS showing umpire’s call on height.

That was extremely close to being three reds, and Stokes throws his head back in frustration. India may be on top in the match, but England are on a roll this morning.

One single comes from the over.

India lead England by 177 runs

Stokes throws the ball to Hartley and he thinks he’s got Gill in his first over of the day, trapping him plumb in-front, with the finger going up.

The batter opts for the review after a discussion with his partner, and a thin edge saves him. The smile on his face suggests the batter didn’t even know he’d hit that, but it’s a let-off and is that the stroke of fortune that India needed to stop this England momentum?

A pull to the boundary is the only scoring shot of the over and it will be Anderson to continue from the other end.

Yashasvi Jaiswal caught by Joe Root bowled James Anderson 17 (27b)

India lead England by 173 runs

This is ridiculous from Anderson, who has a ball that is still in its first ten overs and conditions that offer just a hint of assistance, and he’s taking full advantage.

He lures Jaiswal down the wrong line and finds the edge, with Root taking the catch at first slip.

England are buoyant and the India think-tank look concerned as Anderson completes a wicket maiden.

India lead England by 173 runs

Root gets some decent turn to beat the bat of Jaiswal. That’s a good sign for England’s hopes of bowling India out cheaply here, but less good news for their hopes of chasing down a target in the fourth innings. This is England though, so that sort of negative thinking won’t come into it.

The bowler collides with Jaiswal at the non-striker’s end off the last ball of the over, and Root apologises to the youngster.

India lead England by 172 runs

Rohit Sharma bowled by James Anderson for 13 (21b)

Oh my word, Jimmy Anderson that is an absolute beauty!

England hand the newish ball to their experienced swing bowler at the start of the day, with conditions potentially in his favour until the sun burns through this morning haze.

And he gets the ball to talk in his first over of the day, bamboozling Rohit Sharma with a ball that rips out the off stump, moving just enough to have the India skipper playing all around the ball. What a peach!

England are well behind in this game and it’s going to take something extraordinary for them to win it from here, but if they can bowl India out cheaply today then you never know.

Shubman Gill is the new batter and he survives the remainder of the over.

India lead England by 171 runs

Here we go then. Joe Root bowls the first over of the day, with conditions looking a bit muggy and close in Vizag.

It’s a maiden to start things off, as India’s openers look to settle in for a session of putting England to the sword. That’s the plan at least.

Kate Mason is joined by Sir Alastair Cook and Steven Finn in the TNT Sports studio once again today, so tune in to TNT Sports and discovery+ to hear their expert analysis of the second Test.

Good morning and welcome to live updates of day three of the second Test between India and England in Visakhapatnam.

My name’s Tom Bennett and I’ll be bringing you over-by-over coverage of the day’s play, with live coverage also available on TNT Sports and discovery+ throughout the morning.

India took control of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam on Saturday and lead by 171 runs after a terrific six-wicket haul from Jasprit Bumrah put the hosts well in control of the Test.

Yashasvi Jaiswal compiled a superb 179 on the opening day of the second Test and continued his sparkling form on day two to reach 209 from 290 balls.

India were eventually bowled out for 396 before the tourists, having been 114-1, were all out for 253.

TNT Sports has also agreed a deal to show exclusive live coverage of every red-ball and white-ball international series played in India for the next five years.

Cricket fans will not miss a single delivery, boundary or wicket of England’s five-Test tour in India in 2024.

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