A patient knock of 69 by Hemlata Kala was instrumental in Indian eves securing a handy 75-run lead on the first innings against their England [Images] counterparts on the third day of the first women's cricket Test at Leicester on Thursday.

Kala's innings came off 179 balls and it pushed the Indian first innings to 298. She prolonged the Indian batting effort by putting up valuable partnerships with the tailenders, thus frustrating the hosts.

England had scored 223 in their first essay.

In their second innings, England were 170 for two, an overall lead of 95.

Laura Newton played a useful hand of 85 while Claire Taylor was batting on 74. They added 155 runs for the second wicket to help their team out of a potentially precarious situation.

England need to carry on their solid batting performance on the final day tomorrow to keep the Indian eves at bay.