England dropped crucial catches late on the second day of the decisive final Test to leave India with the momentum at The Oval.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was put down twice in his 51 not out and Sai Sudharsan let off once before falling lbw to Gus Atkinson. The tourists eventually closed a chaotic day on 75-2, leading by 52.
The ball darted around throughout. India lost their last four first-innings wickets inside the first six overs of the morning to be bowled out for 224, then England lost all nine of their wickets for 155 runs in being dismissed for 247.
In such helpful conditions for the bowlers, an extraordinary opening stand of 92 between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, racked up in less than 13 overs, was incredibly valuable for the home side.
Duckett was sensational for his 43, reverse-sweeping Akash Deep and scooping Mohammed Siraj for a six apiece. Crawley hammered 14 fours in his 64.
Duckett’s dismissal, attempting another reverse at Deep, began India’s resurgence and sparked more exchanges between the two teams in what has been a tetchy series.
Deep put his arm around the shoulders of Duckett as he departed. If that looked good-natured, later verbals between Prasidh Krishna and Joe Root were anything but. Root, usually unflappable, was furious.
Mohammed Siraj was outstanding in taking 4-86, supported by Krishna’s 4-62. Harry Brook’s 53 dragged England into a slender lead of 23.
That advantage was wiped out quickly as England bowled for a second time in the day. Whereas the hosts were ruthless in the morning, led by Atkinson’s 5-33, their sloppiness in the evening could cost them a series victory.
Sudharsan was put down by Crawley after Jaiswal was given lives by Brook and Liam Dawson. Dawson was subbing for Chris Woakes, who will miss the remainder of the match with a shoulder injury sustained on day one.