India, July 12 -- Pacer Kranti Gaud's maiden five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket and Smriti Mandhana's solid second successive unbeaten fifty led India to a commanding 154 for one in their second innings against England on Day 2 of the one-off women's Test here on Saturday.

Mandhana (69 batting, 124 balls) was once again the fulcrum of India's batting, as the visitors swelled their lead to 269 runs at stumps, amplifying Gaud's five for 37 effort earlier in the day.

Mandhana was rock solid from the beginning as she took it upon herself the task of building on the 115-run cushion which India gained after bundling out England for 170 in their first innings.

The left-hander was involved in two crucial stands -- 88 runs with fellow opener ...