Lokesh Rahul's unbeaten 142 and Rishabh Pant's maiden test century took India to 298-5 at tea on Day 5 of the fifth test against England at the Oval on Tuesday.
England set an imposing target of 464 to win and appeared to be cruising toward victory after they reduced India to 2-3 and then 121-5, but Rahul and Pant's 177-run sixth-wicket partnership has created the possibility of a spectacular comeback victory.
Having seen Rahul bring up his first test century since 2016 before lunch, Pant, a wicketkeeper who made his test debut earlier in the series, followed suit just before tea.
Much in keeping with his entertaining innings, Pant struck Adil Rashid for a six over long-on to reach his century and ended the session 101 not out from 118 balls.
Former Indian cricketers Sachin, Sehwag and VVS Laxman all celebrated Pant’s century as he became the first Indian keeper to score a Test ton in England.
James Anderson failed to claim the dismissal he requires to go past Glenn McGrath as the fourth highest wicket taker, and most successful fast-bowler, in test history. His chances of doing so will be boosted when England is allowed to take the new ball in five overs time.
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