After India stamped their authority with an imposing batting display on the opening day, the tide shifted on Day 2 of the first Test between England and India. With resilience, grit, and timely strokes of fortune, Ollie Pope stood tall amidst England’s reply, notching a splendid century that pulled his side back into contention.
Despite a 265-run deficit still looming, England’s fightback with both ball and bat ensured the contest remained finely poised heading into Day 3.
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India’s Collapse After Flying Start
Resuming at an enviable 359/3, India’s goal was simple—bat England out of the game. With in-form duo Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant well set, the signs pointed towards a mammoth total. Initially, they continued in style, unfurling elegant strokes against both pace and spin. Gill, fluent as ever, started the day with a regal off-drive, while Pant wasted no time imposing himself, smashing Brydon Carse for a flurry of boundaries.
The fun really began when Pant took on Shoaib Bashir, using the sweep and the slog to deadly effect. His hundred came up in electrifying style—a booming sweep for six, followed by his trademark celebratory somersault. Another mighty hit in the same over had spectators and fielders both watching helplessly as the ball cleared the rope once more.
However, just when India seemed destined to cross 500 comfortably, fortunes flipped dramatically. Gill, just three short of 150, attempted an uncharacteristic slog-sweep off Bashir only to find the fielder at deep square leg. His dismissal broke the 209-run fourth-wicket stand and opened the floodgates for England’s bowlers.
From that moment, England’s bowlers pounced. Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket was forgettable—gone for a duck thanks to a sharp Ollie Pope catch at short cover off Ben Stokes’ bowling. Pant tried to keep the momentum going, launching Bashir for yet another six but soon fell victim to clever bowling by Josh Tongue. Trapped LBW shouldering arms, Pant’s review was in vain, his adventurous innings coming to an end at 116.
Ben Stokes followed up by dismissing Shardul Thakur at the stroke of lunch, continuing England’s march back into the contest. What was shaping into a declaration-worthy total for India quickly turned into a cautionary tale. Seven wickets tumbled for just 41 runs as Josh Tongue polished off the tail post-lunch, finishing with impressive figures that underlined England’s new-ball discipline.
Notably, India’s eventual total of 471 was the lowest in Test history by any side boasting three individual centurions in a single innings—a stat that highlights the suddenness of India’s downfall.
England’s Openers Face Mixed Fortunes
Armed with a formidable total but licking their wounds from the sudden collapse, India took to the field with intent. Jasprit Bumrah struck immediately, producing a gem that found Zak Crawley’s outside edge, brilliantly pouched by Rohit Sharma at slip. Bumrah’s fiery opening spell saw two more chances offered—both grassed in the gully region by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja—keeping the visitors from making further inroads.
While Bumrah posed constant questions, control at the other end was lacking. Mohammed Siraj went for 23 runs in his opening four overs, while Prasidh Krishna fared no better. England’s approach was unflinching. Duckett and Pope found their rhythm swiftly, dispatching anything remotely loose while rotating the strike efficiently.
Duckett showcased his sweeping skills, bringing up his fifty with a classy shot off Jadeja. Together, the left-right pair compiled a valuable 122-run stand, effectively neutralizing the conditions that appeared favorable for bowling, especially under cloudy skies.
Bumrah returned in the final session to break through Duckett’s defenses, courtesy of an inside edge crashing into the stumps. Yet Pope remained unfazed.
Pope Leads the Charge With Stylish Ton
If England’s middle order was expected to feel the heat, Ollie Pope ensured otherwise. Compact, wristy, and aggressive when required, Pope flourished. His innings was peppered with deft cuts, late dabs, and eye-catching strokes square of the wicket. There were slices of fortune—most notably another dropped catch by Jaiswal—but Pope capitalized mercilessly on every reprieve.
His century, crafted from just 125 deliveries, was a lesson in counterattack under pressure. What made his innings all the more valuable was the timing—coming when the ball was talking, the pitch assisting, and India’s fielders letting opportunities slip by. Pope’s mastery was central in weathering the storm, particularly when Duckett departed and Joe Root entered with the weight of expectation.
Late Drama Ensures Tight Finish to the Day
For all of England’s dominance in the second half of the day, India managed one final counter-punch. Jasprit Bumrah, persistently threatening, produced a searing delivery to trap Joe Root LBW for 39. It marked the tenth time Bumrah has dismissed Root in Test matches, a battle that continues to favor India’s spearhead.
The day wasn’t quite done with drama either. Bumrah appeared to have added Harry Brook’s wicket to his tally late on, inducing a mistimed pull shot straight to midwicket. But cricket’s cruel twist intervened—the delivery was deemed a no-ball on review, keeping England hopeful and India visibly frustrated.
At stumps, England were 206/3, with Pope unbeaten on 104 and Brook on 15. They had erased more than half the deficit but still trailed by 265—a position neither dominant nor desperate, perfectly setting up the upcoming contest between bat and ball.
Brief Scores
India 471 (Shubman Gill 147, Rishabh Pant 134, Yashasvi Jaiswal 101; Ben Stokes 4-66, Josh Tongue 4-86) lead England 209/3 (Ollie Pope 100*, Ben Duckett 62; Jasprit Bumrah 3-48) by 262 runs.
What to Expect on Day 3
With Ollie Pope settled and Harry Brook capable of shifting gears, England will eye parity or even a slim lead to throw pressure back on India. Pope’s continuation could dictate how far England can stretch India’s bowlers, while the hosts will need Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance to shine through once more.
India’s priority on Day 3 will be early breakthroughs, not just to curb England’s momentum but to ensure that their first-innings advantage doesn’t dissipate entirely. The new ball looms as a key moment. Can India rectify their fielding lapses? Or will England capitalize further on their lifelines?
Read More: Smriti Mandhana Returns to No. 1 in ICC ODI Batting Rankings
FAQs
What was India’s final first-innings total?
India were bowled out for 471 after being 430/3 at one point.
Who scored centuries for India?
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant all scored hundreds for India.
How did England respond with the bat?
Led by Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century, England reached 206/3 at the end of Day 2.
Who were the standout bowlers for England?
Josh Tongue impressed with key wickets, including the Indian tail after lunch.
What is the key moment heading into Day 3?
India’s new-ball spell against Pope and Brook could decide the direction of the Test match.
