Middle order resistance puts England in command

England 246 (Curran 78, Bumrah 3-46) and 260 for 8 (Buttler 69, Shami 3-53) lead India 273 (Pujara 132*, Moeen 5-63) by 233 runs

Southampton: England fought through the third day to leave the fourth Test against India wonderfully poised at Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Saturday.

Jos Buttler made 69, sharing stands of 56 with Ben Stokes and 55 with Sam Curran as the home side reached 260-8, a lead of 233.

On a gripping day, there were times when England were in peril, especially at 92-4 and, after Joe Root was run out for 48, 122-5.

But the determination of Buttler, Stokes and Curran left England with the edge on a wearing surface that is offering assistance to both pace and spin bowlers.

India's attack was threatening throughout, even if off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin seemed hampered by the hip injury that affected him in the third Test at Trent Bridge.

Still, the tourists are facing pulling off their highest run-chase to win a Test in England.

If they fail, England, who lead 2-1, will seal the five-match series.

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Curran finished with 78, rescuing England from 86/6 at one stage to finish with 246. India were 19-0 at stumps.