Joe Root defied an unpredictable pitch to make a timely return to form as a risk-free unbeaten century stabilised England on a seesaw opening day of the fourth Test against India in Ranchi.
India batters made the Hyderabad pitch look flat as they piled on the runs against England on Day 2 of the first Test on Friday.
An incredible innings from Ben Stokes helped England defeat New Zealand by 181 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Moeen Ali admitted he would have forever rued turning down England's Ashes SOS but the spin bowling all-rounder was adamant his Test career is now over.
England have named an unchanged XI for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval with record wicket-taker James Anderson keeping his place in the team.
England's chances of levelling the Ashes were just about alive after Joe Root claimed the only wicket of a rain-ruined fourth day at Emirates Old Trafford.