Ollie Pope helped England take the first innings lead against India with a sublime half-century, taking the hosts to 227 for seven at tea on day two of the fourth Test at The Oval on Friday.
The Indian pacers were unable to sustain the pressure on a pitch that seems to be getting better for batting with each passing session.
England led India by 36 runs at the break with Pope (74 batting off 143) and Chris Woakes (4 batting off 7) in the middle.
The first wicket in the session came through Mohammad Siraj, who trapped Jonny Bairstow (37) with his stock ball - the nip backer - in the fifth over after lunch. That also brought an end to an entertaining 89-run stand between Bairstow and Pope.
Pope then got together with Moeen Ali (35) to give England the upper hand. The two shared a 71-run stand and before a well-set Moeen played a poor shot off Ravindra Jadeja to throw his wicket away. The attempted slog sweep went straight into the hands of the cover fielder.
Jasprit Bumrah could have had Moeen leg before wicket earlier but India did not review on-field umpire's decision.
Pope played some exquisite shots en route to his sixth half-century. The drive on the up, the flick and pull shots were a treat to the eye.
In the morning session, Umesh Yadav struck twice in the first hour of play before a counter-attacking stand between Bairstow and Pope took England to 139 for five at lunch. England scored 86 runs in the 25-over session.
