England were well placed for victory at stumps on the fourth day of the first test at Lord's on Sunday with India on 137 for three after being set 380 to win.
Kevin Pietersen struck 134 for his ninth test century to set up England's push for a win, before India lost opener Wasim Jaffer (eight) and their two most celebrated batsmen Rahul Dravid (nine) and Sachin Tendulkar (16).
Opener Dinesh Karthik, 56 not out, has batted for three hours and put on 53 with Saurav Ganguly, who is unbeaten on 36, but India require another 243 for a win against the odds.
England, starting the day on 77 for two with Michael Vaughan and Pietersen at the crease, looked to build a healthy lead but in as little time as possible, aware of the likelihood of more rain affecting the match.
In their haste to push on, wickets fell and Vaughan became the first of five victims for Rudra Pratap Singh, who finished with five for 59 and his test best figures.
The situation of the match suited Pietersen and gave him the freedom to play flamboyantly, like the whip through midwicket for four he played even though Shanthakumaran Sreesanth's delivery pitched outside off stump.
He went from 89 to 104 next over to Anil Kumble, with a four, a straight six and a clip through midwicket.
Matt Prior played the supporting role efficiently and ensured his in-form partner was on strike most. When Prior raised the 100 partnership, Pietersen had contributed 71.
Prior's innings of 42 from 61 balls ended when he edged Zaheer Khan (four for 79) to the wicketkeeper. Chris Tremlett was bowled next ball, giving him a pair on debut, though Ryan Sidebottom safely blocked the hat-trick ball.
India started solidly when they reached 38 without loss but when Jaffer clipped James Anderson to Pietersen at square leg, they began to wobble.
Dravid was lbw to Tremlett after playing outside the line, which made it 55 for two. Tendulkar followed 11 overs later when Steve Bucknor adjudged him lbw to spinner Monty Panesar, who ran towards point in jubilation. The score was then 84 for three.
Dravid and Tendulkar have never scored test centuries at Lord's and both have said they are unlikely to tour England again. India have not won a test series in England for 21 years.
