England vs India - as it happened: England win thrilling first Test by 31 runs
Ben Stokes was the hero on the final day as Joe Root's triumphed to go 1-0 up in the series
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Your support makes all the difference.England won the first Test after a thrilling final day against India.
Ben Stokes took the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli on the final morning as England climbed off the canvas to record a 31-run win to take the lead in the five-match series.
Kohli had threatened to take the game away from Joe Root's side, as he did with his masterful 149 in the first innings, but Stokes was equal trapping him LBW for 51.
And then the Durham all-rounder, who will miss the Lord's test to appear in court, returned to dismiss last man Hardik Pandya and spark jubilant scenes.
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It's day four of the first Test between England and India at Edgbaston.
Sam Curran's late order counter-attack helped England set India a target of 194 to win this first of a five match series. Playing with confidence in only his second test appearance, the 20-year-old Curran took the attack to the Indian bowlers who had earlier ripped out the heart of the English batting line by reducing the hosts to 87 for 7 shortly after lunch.
Stuart Broad struck twice early on before Curran, James Anderson and Ben Stokes all helped themselves to a wicket apiece but Virat Kohli remained stubbornly in place as they chase the remaining 84 they need with five wickets in hand.
We will have all the latest action from Birmingham.
Yesterday was another wonderful day of what has been a compelling Test match.
Jonathan Liew was there for us.
Here's what he made of it.
Sam Curran was the hero of yesterday's piece and he believes today's #crucialfirsthour is even more crucial than normal.
“It’s pretty even,” he said last night. “There is still a lot in the wicket for bat and ball. I had goosebumps listening to the Barmy Army chants and that first hour tomorrow is going to be crucial.
“If we can bowl well and take a couple up top, we will hopefully win.
“We bowled well again today, so it’s gonna be a good day. You win or lose that game in the first hour.”
What do we reckon then?
India, with Kohli at the crease, have to be favourites but - and it's very large but - if England can prise him out early then it really is game on.
Anyone else got a feeling we could have a 2005 on our hands?
Over 37: India 112-6 (chasing 194)
Anderson with the cherry in his hand. Karthik the man to face first up. Some nice away movement straight away. And wow, what a start. Last ball of Anderson's first over and Karthik is gone.
Full, straight, just enough movement and Karthik nicks it and Malan - he of three drops in the match - catches well down at second slip. Perfect start for England.
Over 38: 113-6 (chasing 194)
It'll be Broad from the other end with new man Hardik Pandya on strike. Big pressure on him here with his skipper well set at the other end. It is stating the obvious but he has to stay with him if India are to do this. Some more good shape, this time from Broad, but his line is a little wide. That's better as one whistles through just past the edge. England have started well.
Over 39: India 117-6 (chasing 194)
It must be said Pandya is no mug with the bat and is picked in this side as an allrounder. So all things being equal this shouldn't just be the Kohli show. We'll see though. Anderson in again to give the new man a hard time but that's a little too straight and he collects two to the legside to get off the mark.
Over 40: India 117-6 (chasing 194)
Broad again to Pandya and that's another beauty, nibbling away just a fraction too much from the bowler's point of view as it beats the edge on its way through to Bairstow. There looks to be plenty left in this pitch and in this 40-over-old ball to keep England interested. How long before Rashid - a tormentor of many a tailender - gets a look in too?
Over 41: India 119-6 (chasing 194)
Anderson is desperate for a sustained look at Kohli but he won't get it here as the Indian skipper guides one away for a single. If Anderson might want him on strike you'd think England will be more than happy to keep him off it and give Pandya a going over. He's looked a little awkward so far. 19 balls he's faced now with only three scoring strokes. This is attritional stuff. Isn't it great?
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