Indian batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane on Sunday got their side back into the game against England. The experienced duo rescued India from a perilous position at Lord’s on day 4 of the second Test against England. India ended the day at 181 for six, with a lead of 154 runs. England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who dismissed Rahane on Sunday, said that the hosts will try to keep the target under 220.

“I think both teams are in a decent situation, it’s been a fantastic game of cricket. I think anything over 220-230 is going to be pretty difficult, but not impossible obviously. It won’t be easy,” Ali said on Sunday.

India started the day on a bad note, losing three wickets in the first session. KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had been sent back to the pavilion and India were reeling at 55 for three. India stared at a batting collapse considering the prolonged struggles of the middle-order and their long tail.

Pujara and Rahane, who had been out of form, joined hands to give India a fighting chance in the game. The duo batted for nearly 50 overs and stitched a 100-run partnership to take the game to day 5. Pujara scored 45 runs off 206 balls, while Rahane was dismissed after scoring 61.

Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 14 at stumps, and his presence would be a big concern for the hosts, but Ali said they would look to hit back with the new ball.

“We know what Pant can do, he can be so dangerous. But we all have to play well tomorrow. The new ball will be crucial tomorrow. We also have Jimmy Anderson.” Recalled into the side for only his second Test appearance in two years, Ali was back among the runs as well as wickets.

“I’m not taking things too seriously anymore. I know there will be bad days and there will be good days,” Ali, who is playing his first Test on home soil since the 2019 Ashes, said.