Asked whether a draw had been discussed, Tongue said: “Hopefully we’re not in that situation anyway. We’ll try and be as positive as we can in that first session, then see where we are at lunch – then we’ll take things from there.
“With our batting line-up I feel we can chase down anything. Their bowlers are going to bowl well in periods, but it’s about soaking up that pressure and putting it back on the bowlers. I don’t see why we can’t chase it.
“Obviously we’re really confident. If you look at our batting line-up it’s very strong. We play a positive brand of cricket.”
India batter KL Rahul was also asked if there was a scenario where his team would see a draw as a good result and replied: “I agree with Josh Tongue.
“There’s definitely going to be a result. That’s what England have said very openly and their style of cricket suggests that as well. It gives us a good opportunity to pick up 10 wickets.”
Rahul and Rishabh Pant made superb centuries on day four as the Test looked to be finally taking a decisive turn in India’s direction.
But Tongue, in just his fourth Test, took three wickets in four deliveries to help dismiss India for 364 in their second innings and set up England’s chase.
Tongue, 27, is nicknamed ‘The Mop’ by his England and Nottinghamshire team-mate Ben Duckett for his habit of running through the lower order.
On Monday, Tongue removed India’s numbers eight, nine and 10 in the same over to end with 3-72, after also taking four in the first innings to wrap up the late order.
“I’ve done it twice now, so I might have to start calling myself that,” Tongue said of his nickname.
“Obviously that’s part of the game. I’m happy to contribute to the team by getting those wickets.”
