England's debutant opener, Haseeb Hameed, hit five fours and a six in his unbeaten 116-ball 62 that gave the tourists a comfortable 163-run lead against India on the fourth day of the first Test being played in Rajkot on Saturday.

India, buoyed by tons from Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara and a late rearguard from R Ashwin, who scored a stubborn 70 from 199 balls, cut the first-innings deficit to 49. The hosts looked to make early in roads in a bid to limit the damage the opposition would inflict in the second innings.

But Hameed and his captain, Alastair Cook, refused to concede any ground. 19-year-old Hameed outscored his more experienced partner as he played India's highly acclaimed spin duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, with ease. He took the attack to India's bowlers and lofted Jadeja, who had opened the bowling, for a six over long-off. He then handsomely drove Ashwin through the covers when the off spinner tested him with flight. Amit Mishra continued his struggle to find form and the seamers erred in line and length regularly.

England's openers took advantage of the wayward display and cashed in, scoring 70 in 20 overs. Their attacking posture forced Virat Kohli to go on the defense to restrict the run flow. Hameed continued piercing the field and reached his maiden fifty from 94 balls, with a late cut. By stumps on the fourth day, England had stretched their lead to 163.

Haseeb became the third England player to make fifty-plus scores as a teenager. Jack Crawford and Dennis Compton achieved the feat prior to World War II. Adil Rashid, who was instrumental in maintaining their lead with his four wickets, lauded young Haseeb for his impressive display. "It was a crucial partnership, hopefully they can carry on tomorrow. Haseeb knows his game, he works hard in the nets," Rashid said.