Mumbai Test: Ashwin strengthens India on Day 1; Eng 288/5

Mumbai: A sudden burst of R Ashwin helped India to stop march of England on Day 1 of the Mumbai Test, when the hosts were breezing towards a big total at 196/2 till Tea.

India staged a fight back by plucking three wickets in the final session and leaving the visitors in trouble at 288/5 at the end of day's play on Thursday at Wankhede stadium.

Once again, Ravichandran Ashwin mentored India's fight back with the ball as he claimed all three wickets in the final session of the first day of the fourth Test between India and England. During his 4/69, Ashwin also eclipsed the wickets tally of Indian bowling great Javagal Srinath (236) and became India's seventh highest wicket taker in Tests.

As Moeen Ali departed after contributing 50 runs to the total, debutant Keaton Jennings (112) and wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow (14) went back in quick successions.

At one point, England was in dominant position at 230/2, but suddenly Ali, who had turned aggressive post Tea, top edged a delivery from Ashwin and was caught at mid-wicket.

Jennings became victim of all-round performance by Indians as skipper Virat Kohli had just brought a gully in place, who came into action due to a fantastic delivery by Ashwin which forced the young batsman to come forward and edge the ball. Ultimately, a sharp catch was taken by Cheteshwar Pujara.

Bairstow, trying to sweep the ball hard, edged it and gave an opportunity to Umesh Yadav which was beautifully grabbed by the fast bowler.

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, however, read the situation well after half of the team back in the pavilion and played sensibly. They have added 39 runs for the 6^th wicket so far.

England, at the end of Day 1 of Mumbai Test, has managed 288/5 on the scoreboard with Stokes (25*) and Buttler (18*) standing at the crease.

India leads the five-match series 2-0.