Ashwin five-for puts India in command of Test

R Ashwin completed his 22nd five-for in Test cricket to give India the edge by dismantling a strong England unit for just 255 runs - 200 runs in the deficit - in the second Test being played in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

England had already seceded early advantage by losing five wickets in 49 overs at stumps on the second day and they required Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes to dig deep to reduce the massive first-innings deficit.

The duo put on a spirited 110-run display against an attack dominated by spinners on a surface that aided the spinning ball. While Bairstow looked for singles, Stokes hit the frequent boundary, while looking stoic in defense.

Ashwin, in his first nine-over spell, didn't show signs of troubling the well-set duo who impressively negotiated India's ace spinner. Apart from a half-chance for a stumping off Stokes, England looked comfortable through the morning session, until Umesh Yadav struck against the run of play as Bairstow played all around a straight ball from the seamer that rattled the stumps.

At lunch, England had posted 191 for 6. Bairstow's departure didn't affect Stokes' approach as he counterattacked India's seamers, who had taken the new ball post-lunch. England's tactics prompted Ashwin's recall and he stuck immediately to dismiss the dangerous Stokes lbw. Adil Rashid stubbornly resisted India's spinners with a solid 73-ball 32, but wickets fell at the other end. Ashwin trapped Stuart Broad and James Anderson lbw, of consecutive deliveries to complete yet another five-for. Only three bowlers have taken more five-fors for India, namely Anil Kumble (35 in 132), Harbhajan Singh (25 in 103) and Kapil Dev (23 in 131). Overall, 14 bowlers have taken more five-fors in Tests. Ashwin is level with Waqar Younis, Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh on 22.

"Hadn't had a five-wicket haul against England, but it was not at the top of my mind," Ashwin said. "I knew I would get it if I stuck to what I do right. The challenges are actually a hassle for the batsmen. Not every ball spins. I was in the middle of very good rhythm. I told Virat I will get Root out caught out at short midwicket. Virat said let's get mid-on up and make him go for a slog sweep. I thought the moment he steps out I was going to go wider. That worked. The last wicket was slow so I changed my action to create more air space. It is not about trials, it is about having the heart to try it in the middle of the game. I am sure I have it."

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane will take the crease on day four, with their side firmly in the driver's seat at 98 for 3 with a 298-run lead.