Kohli smashes century as India lead England

MUMBAI: Virat Kohli smashed a sensational unbeaten 147 to fire India into the lead on the third day of the fourth Test against England in Mumbai on Saturday.

The Indian skipper, who has enjoyed a remarkable and record-breaking year, hit 17 fours as India reached 451-7 in their first innings at stumps.

Batsman Kohli crossed 1,000 Test runs for the year and 4,000 for his career during his 241-ball knock to ensure India take a 51-run lead with three wickets remaining into day four.

The 28-year-entered the fray early in the morning session after Cheteshwar Pujara (47) was bowled out by Jake Ball on just the second ball of the day at the Wankhede Stadium.

Kohli, who has hit two double centuries in 2016, held fort at one end, crossing the century mark mid-way through the final session.

It marked the Indian captain’s second century of the series after his stunning 167 in the second Test at Visakhapatnam.

Kohli’s unbeaten century came after Indian opener Murali Vijay smashed 10 fours and three sixes on his way to 136 after starting the morning on 70.

Vijay was sent packing shortly after lunch when spinner Adil Rashid caught and bowled the right-handed batsman.

Karun Nair made 13 runs before being given out lbw off Moeen Ali by the TV umpire after a long study of the television replays using the Decision Review System.

Captain Alastair Cook had challenged the original not out decision before the TV umpire over-ruled it in England’s favour.

Joe Root then took two quick wickets in successive overs to reduce the top-ranked hosts to 307-6. Parthiv Patel was caught behind by Jonny Bairstow for 15 while Ravichandran Ashwin was caught for a duck by Keaton Jennings.

Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed for 25 but Jayant Yadav stood firm with Kohli at the crease on 30 when stumps were called.

England must win the Test to keep the series alive.