Ravindra Jadeja struck a thrilling 86 before running out of partners as England bowled India out for 292 to establish a 40-run first-innings lead on day three of the fifth Test at the Oval on Sunday.
England had looked set to claim a much larger advantage when India began the day on 174-6 but were initially frustrated by a 77-run seven-wicket partnership between Jadeja and debutant Hanuma Vihari, both making their first appearance in the five-match series in which England holds an unassailable 3-1 lead.
Vihari's first Test innings ended on 56 just before lunch as he edged Moeen Ali (2-50) through to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and Ishant Sharma (4) followed in identical fashion shortly after the interval. Adil Rashid then had Mohammed Shami (1) caught in the deep to leave India 260-9.
England had the chance to secure a significant advantage when Jasprit Bumrah was dropped at silly point off the next delivery and Keaton Jennings' snatch at the ball turned out to be costly.
From then on, Jadeja expertly farmed the strike and hit a series of boundaries most memorably a six back over the head of James Anderson as Bumrah gamely blocked out when called upon at the other end.
Jadeja's desire to keep the strike was his eventual downfall, as Bumrah was run-out without scoring, leaving him 14 short of a maiden Test century.
Alastair Cook plays final innings of Test career
England opening batsman Alastair Cook was given a sustained standing ovation as he made his way to the wicket for the final innings of his illustrious Test career at the Oval on Sunday.
Cook, who holds the record for most England Test appearances, runs and centuries, was dismissed for 71 in the first innings of the match.
The Essex opener, 33, has struggled for runs this year but is looking to finish his England career on a high.
Cook, who scored a hundred on his Test debut, is playing in his 161st match. He has 32 centuries and more than 12,000 runs.