India is slowly going out of the Lord's test as England has taken a a formidable first innings lead of 149 run by the tea as Bairstow-Woakes stand deflates India's early challenge.
Both were unrepeated with a 125 run fifth wicket partnership as except Shami none of the Indian bowlers could find the breakthrough.
At tea, England were 254 for 5 in reply to India's paltry 107. If the pair dominates the last session of the third day, India will be sure struggling in the 4th and 5th day to save the match.
Earlier The rain truncated 2nd Test, being played at Lords, saw India trying to crawl back after being dismissed for paltry 107 in the first innings.
After James Anderson cleaned the Indian tail within the first half an hour picking up altogether 5 wickets, it was Mohammed Shammi time to return back by the same price when England took to the wicket. He snapped two wickets as host went to lunch with 89 run on board, still needing 18 runs to overhaul India's first innings.
But post lunch session, it was England who dominated with Bairtsow (79) and Wokes (66) playing confidently.
Although the first day was completely lost due to rain but in the next two days, if weather holds, a result is heavily likely and England would like to go for kill having won the first test.
Score in Brief
India : 110 all out ( Ashwin 23, Anderson 5/20)
England: 258 for 5 at lunch (Bairtsow -79, Wokes -66, Shammi 3/74)
