Mumbai, December 10: Two centuries made all the difference- first Murali Vijay and then Virat Kohli as India are firmly in the driver's seat with a 51 runs lead. The India Skipper, who is approaching his fifth 150+ score in Tests will resume on 147 on Day 4. He has received good support from Jayant Yadav (30*) with whom he has added 87 runs so far. India were 451 for the loss of seven wickets.
Earlier in the day, Murali Vijay also scored his eighth Test ton to keep India on track after losing Cheteshwar Pujara on the second ball of the day. India suffered a middle order collapse, losing four wickets for 45 runs but Kohli along with Jayant, made sure India cross the 400 mark and take lead.
Murali Vijay: It was huge (the pressure when he came out to bat), but I backed my abilities, and I know I'm batting well. Worked on my basics, and came out strong. I told myself not to think too much because I was getting dismissed to short balls, but I wanted to stick to my basics and play the way I wanted to play. Had a clear mind when I walk in to bat yesterday. The momentum was with us as we started running for everthing. The way Virat started was fantastic, and the way he remain unbeaten. The pitch is assisting the spinners, and we hope our bowlers will come good.
After 142 overs,India 451/7 ( Virat Kohli (C) 147 , Jayant Yadav 30)
Kohli takes off his gloves even before the final ball of the day is bowled. A single off the final over, with India reaching 451/7 at the end of it to wrest control of the proceedings. What a day it turned out to be for the hosts!
Least Tests to 2000 runs as a captain for IND:
21 VIRAT KOHLI*
24 S Gavaskar, Sachin
29 MAK Pataudi
32 M Azharuddin
35 Dhoni#INDvENG
End of what turned out to be a fantastic day of cricket. India are currently in the driver's seat, and will look to pile further runs in the first session tomorrow. Do tune in on Sunday to our coverage of Day 4 of the 4th Test to see the extent to which Kohli and Co stretch their lead. Till then, goodbye!
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