Joe Root hit his first century in Asia and Moeen Ali remains unbeaten on 99, as England fought back from a testing opening session to edge the opening day in Rajkot against India.
Root (124) and Moeen shared a partnership of 179 as the tourists recovered from 102-3 to post 311-4.
“The way we played throughout the day was fantastic,” said Root.
“We always thought seam would be useful early on. The guys handled it well and that allowed the boys in the middle order to build partnerships.
“I look forward to watching Mo bat all day tomorrow too. It's pleasing, something to build on and a good position to be in."
England made one change from their last Test match in Bangladesh, with 19 year-old Lancashire opening batsman Haseeb Hamed coming into the side at the expense of Gary Ballance, with Ben Duckett moving to number four.
Nottinghamshire’s Stuart Broad became the 14th man to reach 100 Test appearances for England.
With England winning the toss and opting to bat, Hameed was thrown straight into the action alongside Alistair Cook, who was celebrating a milestone of his own with his 55th Test as captain moving him ahead of Michael Atherton.
Early luck was with the tourists with Cook dropped twice and Hameed once in the opening hour, before the skipper fell first ball after drinks, adjudged LBW to Ravinda Jadeja.
Hameed reached 31 in a promising debut innings before he was trapped in-front by Ravi Ashwin.
England were dealt a blow on the stroke of lunch when Ashwin lured Duckett (13) into a false stroke, allowing Ajinkya Rahane to take a smart catch at first slip, as the visitors went to the break on 102-3.
After lunch, Root reached his half-century off 72 balls with a single down the ground off Ashwin, his seventh 50 in seven innings against India.
His partnership with Moeen passed 100 as England went to tea on 209-3 and the Worcestershire all-rounder reached his half-century, off 99 balls, shortly after the interval.
A smartly controlled sweep took Root to three figures off 154 balls – and when the Yorkshireman did fall, he did so with a note of controversy.
Umesh Yadav took a sharp return catch, but quickly lost control of the ball as he endeavoured to throw it up in celebration.
The third umpire confirmed the wicket, leaving Ben Stokes (19*) alongside Moeen through to the close.
Article written by Andy Moore.
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