Leeds [UK], June 22: Ollie Pope’s sublime century and a crucial 122-run partnership with Ben Duckett helped England end Day 2 of the first Test against India on a high, posting 209/3 in response to India’s 471.
England were reeling early in their innings after Zak Crawley fell cheaply to Jasprit Bumrah, but Duckett (62) and Pope (100*) led a spirited recovery. Duckett’s composed 94-ball knock included nine boundaries before Bumrah bowled him with a beautiful delivery that rattled the middle stump.
Pope, dropped on 70 by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Bumrah, capitalised on his luck to reach his ninth Test century (second against India) in 125 balls, featuring 13 fours. His innings was marked by fluent strokeplay and smart rotation of strike, lifting England from early pressure.
Joe Root contributed 28 before falling once again to Bumrah—his 10th dismissal by the Indian pacer in Tests. A brief scare followed when Bumrah got Harry Brook out on a no-ball, allowing England to avoid further damage. Brook (0*) remained unbeaten with Pope at stumps.
India’s First Innings: A Tale of Two Halves
Resuming Day 2 at 359/3, India looked poised for a mammoth total. Captain Shubman Gill (147 off 227) and Rishabh Pant (134 off 178) dazzled with stroke-filled centuries, taking the total to 430/4.
But a sudden collapse followed:
- Karun Nair fell for a duck to Ben Stokes.
- Pant, after a dominant display, was trapped LBW by Josh Tongue.
- India folded quickly to 471 in 113 overs.
Bowling highlights for England:
- Ben Stokes: 4/66
- Josh Tongue: 4/86
- Shoaib Bashir and Brydon Carse chipped in with one wicket each.
Session Summary:
- Morning: India collapsed from 430/4 to 471 all out.
- Afternoon: Duckett and Pope built a 122-run stand, England reached 107/1.
- Evening: Pope completed a century, Root fell, England ended at 209/3, trailing by 262 runs.
Brief Scores:
India – 471 (Shubman Gill 147, Rishabh Pant 134, Ben Stokes 4/66, Josh Tongue 4/86)
England – 209/3 (Ollie Pope 100*, Ben Duckett 62, Jasprit Bumrah 3/48)