Alastair Cook out early as England struggle against spin in India

Adil Rashid took his first wicket of the innings, Jayant Yadav aiming a big hit to leg but instead presenting the easiest of catches to point.

England’s batting mainstay Joe Root and young opener Haseeb Hameed survived a hostile spell of bowling from the Indians to remain not out on 22 and nine respectively.

With Root at the crease, the tourists had hope.

“England’s first innings is crucial”, said former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott.

Root completed his 24th test half-century off 91 balls, including six fours, but gave Ashwin a second wicket going for an expansive drive and being caught in the deep.

Moeen finished with 3-98 from 25 overs, while James Anderson took 3-62.

England lurched to 80-5 at one stage, before Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow batted out most of the final hour. The visitors still trail India’s total by 421 runs. Ever since England toured here last time, I have been batting well against them and that’s a psychological advantage I carry into a game when I play against them.

“They have to find a way”. Lots to come from Vishakhapatnam! We have a really good rapport. This dressing room is full of people who make you comfortable. He has struggled in both positions and after four Tests is averaging just 18.33.

Kohli and Ashwin went about their tasks and it was the introduction of spin, in Ali, that provided the breakthrough in the 11th over.

He now has 816 runs in 9 Tests, 734 runs in 10 ODIs and 641 runs in 10 T20Is in 2016.

“In the meantime, Gautam got the chances that he got. He was timing the ball well, and I was confident after the 100”, Pujara said on Thursday. “We are looking forward to playing on his confusion in the second innings”.

“We were very pleased with this morning – we thought we showed some good skills with the ball – but then we are massively disappointed with this afternoon and this evening”, said Farbrace as he reflected on the second day. That is the nature of it. “You have to be able to adapt your game or any chink in your armoury top players exploit it”.

England might have had shaky start with their captain Alastair Cook left with his stumps being broken in two by Mohammed Shami on Day Two, but his deputy ensured their side gain stability at Visakhapatnam.

Moeen threatened to bowl England right back into the equation when he took the key wicket of Virat Kohli and then added two more in three deliveries.