England roar back in fourth Test against India thanks to Moeen Ali’s five-wicket haul

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The spinner took 5-63 as England bowled out the tourists for 273 – just 27 runs ahead of the hosts’ disappointing first innings score

A brilliant bowling display by Moeen Ali breathed new life into England’s fourth Test against India in Southampton.

The off-spinner tore through the tourists’ lower order (5-63) as they lost six wickets for 53 runs – slipping from 142-2 to 195-8.

England had a very productive second day

England had a very productive second day

However, India had a late rally towards the end and were bowled out for 273 including an unbeaten 132 from Cheteshwar Pujara.

Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings got through a nervy four overs at the end of the day on 6-0, leaving them 21 runs behind.

The match is finely poised with England able to seal the five-Test series with a victory on the south coast as they currently hold a 2-1 lead.

To add to the intrigue, the Southampton pitch is showing signs of sharp turn, potentially aiding India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as well as England pair Moeen and Adil Rashid in the fourth innings.

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Cricket – talkSPORT

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