Mohali, Nov 28 (IANS) India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led from the front, claiming three wickets to reduce England to 78/4 at stumps on day three of the third Test at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) I.S. Bindra Stadium here on Monday.
After conceding a 134-run lead in the first innings, England kept losing their top order -- skipper Alastair Cook (12), Moeen Ali (5), Jonny Bairstow (15) and Ben Stokes (5) -- in quick succession, to still trail by 56 runs.
Joe Root, who opened the innings in place of injured Haseeb Hameed, was unbeaten on 36 along with night-watchman Gareth Batty (0) when the umpires removed the bails.
Brief Scores: England 283, 78/4 (Joe Root 36 not out, Jonny Bairstow 15, Ravichandran Ashwin 3/19) vs India 417
--IANS
tri/vt
