India start the fourth day of the fourth Test with a healthy 171-run lead over England, which skipper Virat Kohli and his men will look to stretch to around the 300-mark and put the visitors in prime position to take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. 

The Indian batsmen dominated proceedings on day three, with openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul stitching an 83-run partnership before the ‘Hitman’ added 153 runs for  the second wicket with Chesteshwar Pujara. 

Rohit notched a brilliant century, his first overseas in Test cricket and eighth overall, and Pujara also scored a fifty before Ollie Robinson dismissed them both in the same over, promptly after the introduction of the new ball. 

Now, all eyes will be on Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane to see whether they can rediscover their form and guide India to a big score. 

Here are five things to look forward to on Day 4:

Kohli century incoming?

Virat Kohli has not scored a Test century in well over 50 innings. His slump in form has also seen him fall behind compatriot in the latest ICC rankings for Test batsmen. He is currently unbeaten on 22 from 37 deliveries and has hit a few gorgeous drives off the English pacers. Can he convert this into a long-awaited ton? 

Also Read | This was my last chance as opener: Rohit Sharma after Oval Test hundred

Rahane to shrug off bad form?

Ajinkya Rahane has been struggling for runs recently. He has scored just one half-century this series, totalling 109 runs in five innings at an average of 18.17. Can he come up with a performance to raise spirits today?

Can India count on Rishabh Pant’s batting heroics?

Rishabh Pant has also struggled with the bat this series, scoring just 96 runs in six innings so far, at an average of 16. The hero from the Gabba Test last year and against England earlier this year in Ahmedabad, can Pant once again rise to the occassion if his peers cannot?

Also Read | KL Rahul was out, he’s disappointed on missing out on big score: VVS Laxman

With the pitch spinning, will Moeen Ali be a threat?

The pitch at the Kennington Oval has started turning, and with plenty of cricket still left to play, it will deteriorate further. Moeen Ali would be looking forward to making the most of conditions and spinning India into trouble today. 

Indian pacers to come out all guns blazing?

India have a 171-run lead and unless another batting collapse happens, they should be able to get to around 300, given the entire middle order is yet to bat. However, if they do not, the Indian bowling unit will have to come out all guns blazing and put the Englishmen under pressure right from the start and make the most of the new ball at their disposal.