India's Rohit Sharma (left) celebrates his century with Cheteshwar Pujara on day three of their fourth Test match against England at The Oval cricket ground in London on Saturday. AP

Gulf Today Report

A resolute opener Rohit Sharma smashed a gritty hundred to lead India’s fight-back against England in the fourth Test on Saturday.

India were 270-3 at stumps in their second innings when bad light forced an early stop of the play on the third day of the fourth Test.

Robinson struck late in quick succession to get rid of the set batsmen as India were reduced to 237-3 from 235-1 before Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja took control of the proceedings.

India are leading by 171 runs with seven wickets in hands and two more days of play to go. The Test look evenly poised and tilt either way over the course of two days.

Earlier, India’s paltry total of 191 in the first innings, triggered the fears of another major collapse in the second before the Rohit led from the front to frustrate England bowlers.

After bowling out India, England had taken a vital lead of 99 runs in the first inning to mount pressure on the visitors.

Rohit had different plans as he came out with a positive frame of mind as he made his intents clear, unleashing a flurry of shots.

He set the tone for a big score in the second innings with a gritty hundred. He was well supported by KL Rahul (46) and Cheteshwar Pujara (61).

Rohit and Rahul added 86 runs for the first wicket to lay down a solid foundation. Pujara also complemented Rohit after the departure of Rahul to take the score to 236 as England bowlers were seen toiling on the field.