The second day of the first Test between England and India produced a gripping battle marked by Ollie Pope’s fighting century and Jasprit Bumrah’s late-session heroics.
In a match that has already swung back and forth, both teams had moments to savour as England ended the day still trailing but with a fighting chance.
Pope Anchors England’s Comeback
Under pressure and promoted to number three, Ollie Pope responded with a resilient unbeaten century, guiding England to 209-3 by stumps. His 100* came at a crucial juncture, with England reeling from an early blow when Zak Crawley was dismissed by Bumrah.
Pope weathered the storm and found a reliable partner in Ben Duckett, with whom he stitched a vital 122-run stand. Duckett, who made a solid 62, complemented Pope with aggressive intent, though both survived nervy moments against India’s high-quality attack.
Bumrah Swings Momentum Back
Jasprit Bumrah continued to underline his class, claiming all three wickets to fall on day two. After removing Crawley early in the innings, Bumrah returned in the second session to break the Duckett-Pope partnership.
However, it was his late breakthrough—dismissing England skipper Joe Root with a sharp delivery edged to first slip—that swung the day back towards India. The speedster’s disciplined lines and ability to strike in key moments kept India firmly in contention.
India Hold Edge Despite Collapse
Earlier, India resumed at a strong overnight position but suffered a sudden collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs.
Despite the late stumble, their total of 471 was anchored by Rishabh Pant’s explosive century and solid contributions from the top order.
England’s Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue were instrumental in the fightback, both claiming four wickets to wrap up the innings efficiently.
Rain, Drama, and Close Calls
Rain delayed the start of play, but once action resumed, it didn’t disappoint. The drama even included a Jasprit Bumrah no-ball that saved Harry Brook from an early exit.
As day two concluded, England still trails by 262 runs, with Pope standing tall. With both sides showing flashes of brilliance, day three promises to be just as enthralling in this classic Test showdown.