India at 18/1 at close of day four, need 313 to win Test

Mumbai, Mar 21 (UNI) India has a daunting target of 313 for victory after England opening bowlers had the hosts reeling at 18 for one at close of play on the fourth day of the third and final Test at the Wankhede stadium here today.

England, who need to win this Test to square the series, played with grit and determination overcoming the loss of their main players to injuries as the new stand-in captain Andrew Flintoff brought out the best of the rest of the team members to give them a chance of victory.

At close of the fourth and penultimate day's play, India had reached 18 for one wicket, still needing a further 295 runs for victory in 90 overs on a last day wicket. Washim Jaffer with four and Anil Kumble with eight runs were at the crease.

Indian, with Virender Sehwag not available to bat atleast till the first ball is bowled tomorrow after suffering back spasms, had Irfan Pathan open with Wasim Jaffer. Pathan, however, after making six was bowled by first innings hero James Anderson to leave India at six for one.

The Indians then sent Kumble in as the nightwatchman and he along with Wasim Jaffer then negotiated the remaining time surviving some close leg before wicket shots before taking India through to the day's close without any further loss.

Earlier, Flintoff rode on the generosity of the Indian fielders playing a captain's knock of 50 to help their team set the hosts a challenging target of 313 for victory.

England, who had gained a 121 run first innings, thus, set India a target which, if they achieve, would be the highest score ever chased at the Wankhede stadium.

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