England 8-268 at stumps on day one v India

Jonny Bairstow's 89 has helped England recover to be 8-268 at stumps on the opening day of the third cricket Test against India, after being 4-92 at lunch.

England have faltered to 4-92 at lunch on day one of the third Test against India in Mohali. (AAP)

India broke Jonny Bairstow's resistance late on Saturday before England reached 8-268 at stumps on the opening day of the third cricket Test.

Bairstow was out for 89 after facing 177 deliveries and hitting six fours to prevent a disastrous opening day for the tourists, who won the toss.

After tea, Ravindra Jadeja (2-56) ended the 69-run stand for the sixth wicket between Bairstow and Jos Buttler (43).

Virat Kohli caught Buttler at mid off. He faced 80 balls and hit five fours.

Chris Woakes (25) added 45 runs for the seventh wicket with Bairstow, with England reaching 250 in the 83rd over.

Parthiv Patel dropped Bairstow off Jayant Yadav (2-49) in the 84th over. The off-spinner trapped him lbw off the very next ball.

Bairstow went for a DRS appeal but failed.

India took the second new ball in the 87th over and Umesh Yadav then bowled Woakes in the penultimate over of the day.

Adil Rashid was unbeaten on four, while Gareth Batty was yet to score.

Earlier, England lost only one wicket in the first hour but then three in the latter part of the opening session to be in trouble at 4-92 at lunch. They then rallied to be 5-205 at tea.

India lead the five-Test series 1-0.