Below the watchful eyes of a packed Headingley crowd, Ollie Pope delivered an innings brimming with resolve, craft, and resilience as England sought to recuperate from a dominant Indian show on Day 1.
Ollie Pope’s gritty century breathes life into England’s fightback
Strolling in at a tough juncture, Pope not solely survived the wrath of Jasprit Bumrah but additionally slowly anchored a restoration that grew in substance and magnificence because the innings progressed. Scoring a composed, unbeaten century, Pope silenced critics questioning his place at quantity three and reaffirmed his standing as certainly one of England’s most technically geared up Take a look at batters. He discovered an ready accomplice in Ben Duckett because the duo stitched collectively a 122-run stand, countering India’s tempo with persistence and panache. Although he flirted with hazard, dropped as soon as on 60 and edging by means of the slips earlier, Pope stored his composure to lift his ninth Take a look at hundred, maybe the best of his profession on residence soil, particularly contemplating the context and high quality of the opposition assault.
A game-changing spell for India by Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s fame because the best quick bowler of his technology continues to develop with each spell, and his efficiency on Day 2 was one other testimony to his talent and stamina. He struck with simply the fifth ball of England’s innings, eradicating Zak Crawley for a mere 4 with a peach that squared him up and located the sting. His return spell dismantled Duckett, who had seemed strong till then, and in his ultimate spell of the day, Bumrah returned to land the telling blow, dismissing Joe Root with a refined away-seamer that induced a tentative poke and a regulation catch within the slip cordon. Bumrah completed the day with figures of three/48, and every of these wickets was essential in halting England’s momentum. He even had Harry Brook dismissed within the ultimate over, just for it to be referred to as a no-ball, a second that briefly threatened to spoil England’s onerous work.
Additionally READ: ENG vs IND: Followers categorical anger as Shardul Thakur stays unused with the ball on Day 2 of Headingley Take a look at
India’s morning collapse wastes dominant platform
Resuming the day at a formidable 359/3, India had the proper alternative to bat England out of the sport. Nonetheless, what adopted was a collapse that noticed their ultimate seven wickets fall for simply 41 runs, a shocking flip of occasions that allowed the hosts again into the competition. Rishabh Pant introduced up a memorable century, his first since his return from a horrific automotive crash, in classic type, celebrating with a somersault after smacking Shoaib Bashir for six.
Shubman Gill, who started the day unbeaten on 127, added simply 20 earlier than perishing to a free shot. The collapse started from there. Karun Nair, returning to the Take a look at facet after eight years, fell for a duck. Pant, having survived a missed stumping, was ultimately trapped lbw by a pointy inswinger from Josh Tongue. The decrease order supplied little resistance beneath overcast skies and swinging situations as India’s innings unraveled, handing momentum again to the English camp. From 430/3 to 471 all out, the guests have been left ruing missed probabilities to take the sport out of England’s attain. With England ending Day 2 on 209/3, trailing India by 262 runs, the stage is ready for a compelling contest.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
That is a superb, ballsy hundred from Ollie Pope, his ninth in Take a look at cricket, 1st at Headingley, and 2nd in opposition to India (the primary staff he is made 2 in opposition to). A lot noise about Jacob Bethell and his place within the facet, and he is simply received his head down and made two positive a whole bunch.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) June 21, 2025
Strain makes diamonds 💎
And we’ve the most important jewel in Ollie Pope ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9lMrJnFGQn
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 21, 2025
A gutsy 💯 not out on the massive event! 💥
Take a bow, Ollie Pope. 😮💨
🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/CGqvxAqzxI
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 21, 2025
On a brighter word, final time India conceded a century to Ollie Pope in first Take a look at of the collection, they ended up successful that Collection.
— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) June 21, 2025
Don’t suppose I’ve ever seen a quick bowler carry an assault like Bumrah/India.
It’s ridiculous.
— Neal Gardner (@Nealbackup) June 21, 2025
Bumrah is a King with Crown 👑
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 21, 2025
This is a wonderful spell from Bumrah. Once more. Might have had 3-4 on this spell with a little bit of assist from the fielders.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 21, 2025
With the bat, with the ball, India, the inexperienced facet has proven {that a} bit in the present day permitting England to return again within the Take a look at.
Hopefully no repeat forward.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 21, 2025
Bumrah has received Root for the tenth time in Assessments… Loopy.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) June 21, 2025
Stumps, Day 2 – 1st Take a look at at Leeds 🏟️
England 209/3 (49 overs) in reply to India’s 471
A powerful fightback from England, led by Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century, has stored the competition finely balanced on the finish of Day 2 in Leeds.
Take a look at cricket at its best! 🔥
scorecard:… pic.twitter.com/gHS0SZ7Q2t
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 21, 2025
Additionally WATCH: ENG vs IND : Karun Nair’s Take a look at comeback for India ends in disappointment with 4-ball duck as Ollie Pope strikes with stunner
