Alastair Cook made 71 in his final match for England but India's bowlers seized the initiative on day one of the fifth Test at The Oval.
Opener Cook, who will retire after his 161st Test, was given a guard of honour by the India team on his way to the crease.
He was dropped on 37 by Ajinkya Rahane but, for the most part, batted as if in his prime until he played on off Jasprit Bumrah and departed to cheers from an adoring crowd.
Cook's dismissal sparked an all-too-familiar collapse, with England losing three wickets for one run and three more for 10 runs either side of Moeen Ali reaching a painstaking half-century.
Ishant Sharma claimed 3-28 as England closed an attritional, old-fashioned day on 198-7.
That is an excellent outcome for India, who put in a superb bowling performance on a slow pitch that looks to be the best batting surface of the series.
England already have an unassailable 3-1 lead, while India are looking to win two Tests on a tour here for the first time since 1986.
The early part of his stay included trademark Cook shots - clips off the pads, a cut and a hook - mixed with rarer drives through the off side.
As India's bowling improved and run-scoring became harder, Cook was forced to revert to his legendary concentration and patience.
Even then, he required the fortune of being dropped by gully fielder Rahane when regular nemesis Ishant squared him up with one that swung away.
With the storm weathered, a memorable and emotional century seemed in the offing, only for Cook to inside edge on to his stumps from one that Bumrah got to keep low.
Frustrated, Cook left the arena with his bat raised to acknowledge the applause and cheering of a crowd that was again on their feet.
108 - 4 after 38 overs
Session 3: India trail by 224 runs with 6 wickets remaining in the innings
35.3
Broad to Vihari, no run, big in-dipper, smacking into the back leg, England go up in unison
... but Joel Wilson shakes his head! Thoughts of a review from England, but they elect not to.
But Hawk-Eye had that crashing into the top of leg stump, would have been overturned on review!
Broad himself shook his head on going to DRS. A life for the new man
34.5
Anderson to Rahane, OUT, and Anderson keeps taking men other than Kohli. Lovely bowling.
AM Rahane c Cook b Anderson DUCK
32.5
Anderson to Pujara, OUT, this is a very rare mistake from Pujara. He is mindful of that inswinger threat.
