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England avert collapse against India to leave first Test evenly balanced

England avert collapse against India
© Reuters
England's first Test against India is hanging in the balance as Sam Curran's counter-attack drags the hosts back into the game on the third day at Edgbaston.

England's first Test against India has been left hanging in the balance after Sam Curran's counter-attack dragged the hosts back into the game on the third day at Edgbaston.

The Indian bowlers ripped out the heart of the English batting lineup by reducing the hosts to 87-7, Ravichandran Ashwin expertly dismissing their top order.

Ishant Sharma, meanwhile, took three wickets in a single over as England collapsed in their second innings under cloud-ridden skies in Birmingham.

However, Curran came to the rescue by scoring 63 off 65 deliveries, including nine boundaries and two sixes, to help the hosts reach 180 and set India 194 for victory.

Stuart Broad took two wickets as India slipped to 78-5, but captain Virat Kohli ended the day unbeaten on 43 with his side 110-5, requiring a further 84.

The tourists now require their highest run-chase in England to take a 1-0 lead in the series, surpassing the 174 that they made at The Oval in 1971.

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Giuseppe Labellarte
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