England are on the brink of a resounding victory in the third Test despite some belated spirit from Ravi Ashwin which helped India avoid an innings defeat in Kolkata.

India finished day four on 9-239, a lead of just 32, after a shambolic collapse after lunch.

After resuming on 6-509, England lost their last four wickets for 14 runs before Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir blasted India to 0-86 at lunch.

But the game turned when Sehwag was bowled by Graeme Swann first ball after the interval, triggering an Indian implosion which saw them lose six wickets for 36 runs to be 6-122.

England, chasing their first series triumph in India since 1984-85, were set to wrap up an innings win before Ashwin (83 not out) helped put on 80 for the last two wickets with Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha.

But with a new ball England will expect to pick up the final wicket quickly on day five before completing the win to take a 2-1 lead with one Test to play.