Chris Woakes injured as England-India Test series finale kicks off at The Oval
Gus Atkinson (2-31) and Josh Tongue (2-47) claimed a pair of wickets each at the Oval and on an impressive day for Atkinson on his return to the Test team, he also ran out series-leading run-maker and India captain Shubman Gill (21).
But Karun Nair's 52 not out on a rain-impacted day helped India recover from 38-2 when the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) and KL Rahul (14) went before lunch.
Nair's stand was his first trip past 50 since scoring a triple century in his third Test in 2016, and was typical of India's resilience this series, which was showcased to great effect at Old Trafford last week.
India needs to win the match to tie the series, which England leads 2-1, but the already-depleted English bowling attack suffered a blow when Chris Woakes fell awkwardly as he tried to prevent a four late in the day.
The 61-Test veteran, who also claimed the wicket of Rahul, was clearly in pain as he held his left shoulder outside the boundary.
He was treated by medical staff and left the field with his arm cradled in a makeshift sling fashioned out of his sweater.
With all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes missing due to his own shoulder injury, and pace spearheads Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer rested for this game, Woakes's injury strips England of its only bowler with more than 12 Tests under his belt.
"It doesn't look great. We haven't really spoken about it yet. I will be surprised if he takes any part in the game," Atkinson said.
On a rain-hit day one at The Oval, England was far more effective with the ball at the Oval than in previous games, largely thanks to Atkinson.
The fast bowler took the first and last wickets of the day — trapping Jaiswal LBW early on and it was off his ball that Dhruv Jurel (19) was caught by Harry Brook.
Perhaps most impressive was his run-out of Gill, gathering the ball in his follow-through and throwing the wicket down.
"There was pressure on for the bowling side with the conditions that were overhead. We didn't want to get too far ahead of ourselves," Atkinson told the BBC.
"6-200, we are happy with that. An early wicket tomorrow and we will be in good position."
AP
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