After a dominant display by India on the first day of the opening Test against England, the home side mounted a spirited fightback on the second day, led by a solid batting performance in their first innings and capitalizing on an Indian batting collapse. Rishabh Pant's magnificent century earlier in the day had propelled India to a formidable total, but England responded strongly to stay in the contest.
India had begun the second day in a commanding position, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant looking well-set at the crease. The pair continued to frustrate the English bowlers, adding to their overnight partnership. Pant, in particular, was in scintillating form, reaching his seventh Test century with a typically audacious six over cow corner off Shoaib Bashir. In doing so, Pant surpassed MS Dhoni's record to become the Indian wicketkeeper with the most Test centuries. His innings was a blend of aggression and calculated risk, leaving the English bowlers searching for answers. Gill, meanwhile, was inching closer to 150, further solidifying India's position.
However, the complexion of the day shifted dramatically after the dismissal of Gill. The Indian innings suffered a sudden collapse, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The English bowlers, led by Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue, found renewed energy and exploited the conditions effectively. Stokes accounted for the crucial wicket of Gill, while Tongue ran through the lower order, picking up four wickets. From a comfortable 430/3, India were eventually bundled out for 471, losing seven wickets for just 41 runs. Karun Nair bagged a four-ball duck. This collapse gave England a crucial opening to claw their way back into the match.
England's response with the bat was positive, although they did suffer an early setback when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley in the first over. However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope counter-attacked with a positive intent, displaying an aggressive batting approach. The duo added 51 runs for the second wicket, forcing captain Gill to retreat. Duckett and Pope continued to build a solid partnership, nearing their respective half-centuries. The pair has added an unbroken 103-run stand for the second wicket, finding boundaries with ease. At the tea break, England were 107/1 in 24 overs, trailing by 364 runs in reply to India's 471.
Pant's century was not just a personal milestone; it also broke MS Dhoni's record for the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. Pant celebrated his century with a unique somersault, prompting Sunil Gavaskar to jokingly suggest needing a "stretcher and ambulance ready, just in case." Pant's innings, filled with extraordinary strokes, eventually ended when he was dismissed LBW to Josh Tongue for 134.
The day's play showcased the unpredictable nature of Test cricket. India's dominant position in the first half was neutralized by England's spirited fightback in the second half. While India still holds the upper hand, England's solid start with the bat has given them a glimmer of hope. The match is now delicately poised, with both teams having opportunities to seize control. The remaining days promise to be filled with exciting cricket as both teams battle for supremacy in this opening Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
