Akash Deep, Siraj strike early as England reach 72/3 at stumps on Day Four chasing 608 against India

BIRMINGHAM — Akash Deep struck twice and Mohammed Siraj once as India made early inroads against England who reached 72 for three in pursuit of a mammoth 608-run target, at the end of play on Day Four in the second Test here on Saturday.

England need another 536 runs on the final day to maintain their 1-0 lead in the five-Test series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Akash Deep accounted for Ben Duckett (25) and Joe Root (6) after Siraj removed Zak Crawley (0) in the second over.

Also read: Siraj grabs 6 wkts, Akash Deep 4; India take their overall lead to 244 against England

Earlier in the final session, India declared at 427 for six with Shubman Gill hitting a consecutive second double ton (161) and KL Rahul (55), Rishabh Pant (65) and Ravindra Jadeja (69 not out) hitting their respective fifties.

Brief scores: India 587 & 427/6 decl. lead England 407 & 72/3 (Ben Duckett 25, Ollie Pope 24*; Akash Deep 2/36, Mohammed Siraj 1/29) by 536 runs.