Virat Kohli and Ravi Ashwin give India the edge over England on day two in Mohali

India remain in control of the third Test match against England in Mohali, largely due to half-centuries from captain Virat Kohli and all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin. The hosts' star duo both stood up to England's spirited efforts in the field to ensure India finished the day just 12 runs behind the Three Lions' score of 283 with four first innings wickets still in hand.

The tourists began the day hoping to add some much-needed runs to their overnight total, but their efforts were thwarted by some impressive fast bowling from Mohammed Shami, who dismissed Adil Rashid and Gareth Batty in quick time.

In response, the hosts - who lead the five-match series 1-0 - lost openers Murali Vijay (12) and the returning wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel (42) with the score on 73. But, not for the first time in this series, Kohli and the ever-dependable Cheteshwar Pujara combined to steady the ship, adding 75 for the third wicket.

Yet after Rashid claimed the scalps of Pujara alongside the out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane in quick succession, and Ben Stokes bagged the all-important wicket of Kohli for an eye-catching 62, England appeared to be ahead in the game. However, the spin bowling duo of Ashwin (57 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (31 not out) saw India through until the close.

"We bowled exceptionally well," Rashid subsequently said, according to Cricinfo. "It was a good effort with the ball and in the field. It was a very important final session. You stick to your plans long enough, you get wickets."

India, meanwhile, will hope to build a sizeable lead during the morning session on day three in Mohali, before putting England's fragile-looking batting lineup under serious pressure in the third innings on an increasingly tricky surface.