Nottingham: Skipper Virat Kohli (103, 197b, 10×4) continued his fine form as India set a mammoth 521-run target for England after declaring their second innings at 352 for seven on the third day of the third Test here at Trent Bridge, Monday.
Kohli was ably supported by Cheteshwar Pujara (72, 208b, 9×4). However, it was the power-hitting towards the end of their innings by the first innings’ bowling hero all-rounder Hardik Pandya (52 n o, 52b, 7×4, 1×6) which took them to the total which would pose a defeat threat to the hosts.
Chasing a massive target, England openers Alastair Cook (9 batting) and Keaton Jennings (13 batting) held their nerves for a well-tested nine overs, especially from Ishant Sharma (0/5), as they reached 23 for no loss at stumps, still 497 runs behind.
Earlier, resuming from the overnight 124/2, Kohli and Pujara looked to grind and play for time with no hurry whatsoever. They scored 70 runs during the wicketless first session.
However, England’s main reason for worry was wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow, who was hit on his left middle finger. He went off the field with Jos Buttler taking over keeping duties.
The pair of Kohli and Pujara looked in no hurry as India crossed 200 with the pair bringing up their 100-run partnership off 270 balls. Kohli also crossed the 400-run mark in this series, becoming only the second Indian captain after Mohammad Azharuddin (426) to do so against England. Overall, he is the sixth Indian batsman to achieve this feat.
The duo put on 113 runs for the third wicket before Stokes removed Pujara. Kohli and Rahane then batted with purpose as they added 57 runs for the fourth wicket before the skipper got out after completing his 23rd Test century and second in the series.
Then it was all Pandya who helped the visitors go past 350-run mark with some lusty blows. Adil Rashid (3/101) and Ben Stokes (2/68) were the pick of the English bowlers.