Nottingham (August 21, 2018): Skipper Virat Kohli scored his 23rd Test century as a dominant India took giant strides towards victory in the third cricket Test against England on Monday.
Courtesy Kohli’s 103, his second century of the series, India declared their second innings at 352 for seven, leaving the hosts an improbable victory target of 521 runs.
Kohli’s runs came off 197 balls and was studded with 10 boundaries. India resumed Monday on 124 for two, already 292 runs in front, with Cheteshwar Pujara 33 not out and Kohli unbeaten on eight.
They could dictate terms after skittling England out for 161, with paceman Hardik Pandya taking a stunning five for 28 in six overs.
As well as batting collapse, another longstanding problem for England has been their catching and they floored their fifth chance this match when second slip Jos Buttler, a wicket-keeper by trade, grassed a left-handed opportunity when Pujara, on 40, edged James Anderson.
England´s woes increased when wicket-keeper and leading batsman Jonny Bairstow left the field after failing to gather a swinging Anderson delivery. An X-ray revealed he had suffered a small fracture to his left middle finger.
Kohli was not at his most fluent but this was an ideal innings given India´s situation and an edged four off Chris Woakes.
It was also Kohli´s second in three matches after he made 149 — his maiden Test century in England.
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