image description

Ollie Pope's resilience keeps England afloat against India at close of Day 2

In reply to India's 471, Pope's 100 not out, his ninth Test century and third in successive home Tests, offered the hosts a measure of stability after early wickets threatened to derail their innings.

India began the day strongly at 359 for 3 but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 41 runs.

Rishabh Pant's thrilling century was the standout in a faltering lower order, as Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue each claimed four wickets to pull England back into contention.

In response, England faced the full force of Jasprit Bumrah, whose electrifying second and third spells yielded all three wickets - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Joe Root.

Bumrah was menacing throughout, extracting movement and creating multiple chances, including a no-ball that spared Harry Brook late in the day.

Despite his brilliance, India's slip fielding faltered, with Ollie Pope dropped twice - once on 10 (between third slip and gully off Bumrah) and again on 60 by Yashasvi Jaiswal at third slip.

Pope, chosen at number three ahead of rising star Jacob Bethell, capitalised fully, reaching his century with a fortuitous inside edge for a single.

The innings has already been hailed as his best on home soil, showcasing his fluency behind square on the off side.

Though India retain a clear advantage, Bumrah's fiery spells and England's slip-ups in the field have left the contest finely poised heading into Day 3.
 

Related News

News

England and India finely poised as rain forces early stumps on day three

  • 13 hours ago

India lead England by 96 runs at the close of play on Sunday on a shortened Day three, due to rain at Headingley.

News

Sam Konstas eager to secure Test place on tour to West Indies

  • 15 hours ago

Australia batter Sam Konstas admits he let his emotions get the better of him in his first few Tests and insists he has become a much calmer player now.

News

England fight back against India fuelled by Ollie Pope's defiant century

  • 20 hours ago

Ollie Pope produced a determined century to steady as England rallied back against India on Day Two of the first Test at Headingley.

News

Shubman Gill's glorious ton steers India to commanding start against England at Headingley

  • 2 days ago

India's new captain Shubman Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 127, guiding his side to a commanding 359-3 on an action-packed opening day of the first Test against England at Headingley.