NEW DELHI: Joe Root and Ben Foakes ensured a wicket-less second session for India with an unbeaten 86-run stand to take England to 198/5 at tea on the opening day of the 4th Test in Ranchi on Friday.
Struggling at 112/5, England abandoned their 'Bazball' approach with Root (67) and Foakes (28) digging in the post-lunch session to lead the visitors' recovery.
Earlier, fast bowler Akash Deep made a dream debut, scalping three wickets and then the spinners inflicted more pain as England were left struggling at 112/5 at lunch.
Making his Test debut in place of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested, the 27-year-old Akash Deep (3/24) recovered from a no-ball setback to dismiss Ben Duckett (11), Ollie Pope (0) and Zak Crawley (42) and leave England reeling at 57/3.
Jonny Bairstow smashed a 35-ball 38 with four boundaries and a six before Ravichandran Ashwin (1/17) trapped him in front.
Skipper Ben stokes (3) was caught in front of the wicket by Ravindra Jadeja (1/28) as India dominated the morning session.
India lead the five-Test series 2-1.
(With PTI inputs)
