Rahul, Pant star as India extend lead over England

At the time of going to press, India were 416 runs ahead with skipper Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja batting

- Agencies

KL Rahul made a composed fifty before the aggressive Rishabh Pant threatened to make England pay dearly for dropping him twice as India strengthened their grip on the second Test at Edgbaston on Saturday.

India were 177/3 in their second innings at lunch on the fourth day, a healthy — if not yet decisive — lead of 357 runs.

India captain Shubman Gill, fresh from his commanding 269 in the first innings, was unbeaten on 24 and Pant was a typically dynamic 41 not out, having faced just 35 balls including five fours and two sixes.

India resumed on 64/1, a lead of 244 runs, after dismissing England for 407 in reply to their first-innings 567 despite a partnership of over 300 runs between Jamie Smith (184 not out) and Harry Brook (158).

England chased down an imposing target of 371 to win the first Test of this series at Headingley. At Edgbaston three years ago, they achieved their all-time record fourth-innings victory pursuit, making 378 against India.

KL Rahul, 28 not out overnight, was soon into his stride with a cover-driven four off Brydon Carse.

But with play starting Saturday under grey skies— and the floodlights switched on — the overhead conditions were in favour of the bowlers.