England have their noses ahead as the lead swells to 233

The fourth day of this Test will not only be match defining but series defining. How interesting is this beast called Test cricket! India began the day with a lead of 21 runs. Now, with the day having come to a close, they trail by 233.

Another great day's play in the Test!

The game is finely in the balance as England managed to bat through the day, ending on 260/8 with a lead of 233. @josbuttler top scoring with 69.

What was your favourite moment of the day?#ENGvIND scorecard ?? https://t.co/VUru4XV87u pic.twitter.com/IFRR7l2hyP

— ICC (@ICC) September 1, 2018

Keaton Jennings (36) and Alastair Cook (12) showed a lot of resolve in the first few overs. Much to their joy, the ball stopped swinging and was coming in straight lines with the exception of a few deliveries.

Jasprit Bumrah drew first blood as Alastair Cook played away from his body. He was caught at slips by KL Rahul. Moeen Ali came out to bat at number three instead of Joe Root and he looked tentative from the beginning. After playing and missing a few, he was dismissed by Ishant Sharma.

England only lose the wickets of Bairstow and Root in the second session, but the Indian bowlers have contained them well.

They are 152/5, 125 runs ahead of India. Whose position would you rather be in?#ENGvIND

FOLLOW LIVE ?? https://t.co/VUru4XV87u pic.twitter.com/XIdA6zG9As

— ICC (@ICC) September 1, 2018

Mohammad Shami (13.5-53-3) then dismissed Keaton Jennings and Jonny Bairstow on either side of Lunch. But Joe Root (48), Ben Stokes (30) and Jos Buttler (69) ensured that the match remained evenly poised. However, it is the contribution of Sam Curran (37) that, like every time, is hurting India bad.

Although the wicket of Adil Rashid on the last ball of the day brought some respite for the visitors, England are truly ahead in the game with a lead of 233 runs and two wickets remaining. The pitch has begun to wear out and has a lot of rough marks.

With England having Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid in their ranks, India would have to bat out of their skin to have a chance of winning this one and keeping the series alive. But first things first, they have to pick up two wickets as soon as possible on Day four.

For England, if Sam Curran can bat a bit longer along with Stuart Broad and James Anderson and drag the lead towards 300, it would be 70 % advantage England.

© Cricket World