Moeen Ali finally broke India’s resistance as England sealed the Specsavers series with a 60-run win after a titanic struggle at The Ageas Bowl.

The world’s number one team pushed England into the penultimate evening of the fourth Test, thanks to a century fourth-wicket stand between Virat Kohli (58) and Ajinkya Rahane (51).

But Moeen (four for 71) took his match haul to nine wickets, including the pivotal one of Kohli, and India lost four for 13 soon after tea to give England an unassailable 3-1 lead with one match to play.

India’s target, one they have exceeded just once in their history to win outside Asia, was 245 after England were bowled out for 271 in their second innings.

Kohli, especially, and Rahane made Joe Root sweat, but Moeen eventually dismissed both, on an increasingly helpful pitch, in a total of 184 all out.

Anderson paid tribute to Moeen, who claimed nine wickets in the match

He said: “Mo bowled so well. I know he didn’t get a wicket in his first 15 overs but he bowled so well. The pressure he created was immense.

“You are always praying for that bit of luck, there were a few half-chances. Once you open up an end you think we have got a really good chance here.”

Captain Root said: “Today was probably the best I’ve seen (Moeen) bowl in an England shirt.”

Kohli admitted: “England were relentless with the ball.”

Scorecard on page 41