Moeen Ali picked up two wickets to keep alive England's hopes of forcing victory in the first Investec Test match with India at Trent Bridge.
The Worcestershire all-rounder dismissed Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay as India closed the fourth day on 167-3 in their second innings – an overall lead of 128.
Moeen entered the action after 11 overs – the earliest he has bowled in an innings so far with England – in what was the penultimate over before tea.
His fourth ball accounted for Dhawan (29) who came down the wicket and made the delivery into a low full toss.
But he only succeeded in driving the ball straight back at Moeen who took a sharp return catch with the total on 49.
That proved to be the only over of the spell for Moeen but he returned to the attack after the interval and at five to six broke through for a second time.
This time first innings century-maker Vijay gave Moeen the charge but only succeeded in nicking the ball to keeper Matt Prior after making 52 out of 140-2.
The very next ball saw Liam Plunkett account for Cheteshwar Pujara for 55.
Moeen finished the day with figures of 2-39 from seven overs. He picked up one wicket in his first Test, two in his second…..and now has three in his third Test appearance in the part-time spinner role.
