Debutant Haseeb Hameed struck his maiden fifty and shared an unbroken century partnership with captain Alastair Cook to push England’s lead over India to 163 runs on day four of the first test on Saturday.
The 19-year-old Hameed was unbeaten on 62 at the close with Cook on 46 as England reached 114 without loss, virtually ruling out the prospect of an India win on the final day.
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid earlier picked up four wickets to help the touring side dismiss India for 488 and take a first- innings lead of 49 runs. India’s Ravichandran Ashwin made 70 to deny England a bigger advantage.
Right-hander Hameed, the youngest opener to play a test for England, was assured in his footwork against the spinners and handled the reverse swing from the fast bowlers without much trouble.
Hameed, reached his half-century with a delicate late cut for four off leg-spinner Amit Mishra. He hit five fours and a six.
England, who made 537 in their first innings, earlier picked up the wickets of India captain Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in the first session and looked on course for a sizeable lead.
All-rounder Ashwin and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha (35) added 64 for the seventh wicket to reduce the deficit.
