Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS): Murali Vijay finely-composed century vaulted India to a healthy 247/2 at lunch in their first innings against England on the third day of the fourth Test match here on Saturday.

Vijay (124 batting), struck his eighth and second of the series, to guide India to a strong position in response to England's score of 400, after resuming at their overnight score of 146/1.

India skipper Virat Kohli (44 batting) was at the crease at lunch, who came into the crease when No.3 batsman Cheteshwar Pujara (47) was dismissed off the bowling of Jake Ball (1-18).

England got a boost on the second ball of the day when Pujara bowled, shouldering arms to a length ball that nipped back and knocked out his off stump.

But it was the only joy England would get in the next two hours of the morning session as Vijay-Kohli consolidated India's position with a 101-run partnership.

Vijay completed his century with a single in the 72nd over of India's innings, hitting nine fours and three sixes.

Kohli also achieved a personal milestone, completing 4000 Test runs, as India accumulated 101 runs in 31 overs in the morning phase of play.