CHENNAI: Half-centuries by debutant Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid lifted England to 452 for eight at tea after Indian bowlers struck early on day two of the fifth and final Test in Chennai on Saturday.
The visitors, who started the day on 284-4, slipped to 321-7 in the morning session before Dawson and Rashid put on 108 runs for the eighth wicket to thwart the Indian attack.
The duo batted with purpose after overnight centurion Moeen Ali returned to the pavilion with a well-made 146 that set the tone for England.
Dawson was batting on 55 with Stuart Broad (17) for company at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Fast bowler Umesh Yadav got through Rashid's defences after getting him caught behind for 60, one short of the batsman's highest Test score.
Indian bowlers picked three crucial wickets in the morning session including that of Ali to halt England's surge after the visitors elected to bat first on Friday.
Ali seemed relentless in his drive to consolidate England's position after adding 26 runs to his overnight score but his efforts were cut short just after the first drinks interval of the day.
Yadav got the prized wicket of Ali after the left-handed batsman mistimed a pull to square leg and Ravindra Jadeja pouched the ball safely.
Ali, who had recorded his fourth Test ton on day one, smashed 13 fours and a six in an otherwise controlled knock.
England, who have already lost the series 3-0, are searching for a consolation win before they head home for their Christmas break.
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