England skipper Charlotte Edwards scored a Test-saving century to take the hosts to a comfortable 204 for 2 on the penultimate day of second and last women's cricket Test at the County ground in London.
Edwards, unbeaten on 100, and Atkins, unbeaten on 68, saved England after they were reduced to 34 for 2 after being asked to follow-on.
England now trail by just three runs after conceding a huge 208-run first innings lead.
A hostile spell of fast bowling by Jhulan Goswami (5 for 33 from 13 overs) had caused their downfall in the first innings.
England lost both Laura Newton (3) and Claire Taylor (12) cheaply. Goswami accounted for Newton for the second time in the match and Taylor was run-out, leaving England in dire straits.
Edwards then paired with Caroline Atkins for a 170-run third-wicket stand. Atkins batted patiently in her 282-ball stay while the former reached her century in the last over of the day.
Edwards struck 20 fours in all while Atkins had 10.
India took their foot off the pedal in the latter stages of the day and will have to snuff out eight wickets quickly on the final day for any chances of victory.
England had drawn the first Test and clinched the five match ODI series 4-0.