The first Test between England and India at Headingley has seen a dramatic shift in momentum, with Ollie Pope's brilliant century leading an England fightback after an unexpected Indian lower-order collapse.
India, after a strong start on the first day, resumed their innings on 359/3. Shubman Gill, captaining the side for the first time, and Rishabh Pant, looked set to build a formidable total. Both batsmen reached centuries, with Pant in particular displaying aggressive intent, highlighted by a six that brought up his century. Yashasvi Jaiswal had also scored a century the previous day. However, Gill's dismissal for 147 triggered a stunning collapse. The tourists lost their last seven wickets for a mere 41 runs, a period of play dominated by England's Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue, who picked up four wickets each. This collapse meant India were bowled out for 471, a total significantly lower than what seemed likely earlier in the day.
In response, England faced a challenging situation against a potent Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing Zak Crawley in the first over. Bumrah continued to trouble the English batsmen, also dismissing Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (28). However, Ollie Pope stood firm, demonstrating resilience and class. He survived a couple of chances, including being dropped twice, and built crucial partnerships, first with Duckett and then with Root.
Pope reached his ninth Test century off 131 balls, an innings that included 13 fours. His innings has been hailed as his best on home soil, showcasing his fluency behind square on the off side. He navigated Bumrah's testing spells and then took advantage of some wayward bowling from the rest of the Indian attack. At the end of the second day, England were 209/3, trailing India by 262 runs, with Pope unbeaten on 100 and Harry Brook on 0*.
Despite Pope's century, India remain in a strong position in the match, with Bumrah having taken all three of the wickets to fall. However, England's fightback, led by Pope, has given them hope of getting back into the contest. The match is finely poised, and the third day promises to be crucial. India will be aiming to quickly dismantle England's middle order and push for a first-innings lead, while England will be hoping that Pope can continue his innings and lead them to a competitive total.
Adding to the drama, Bumrah had Brook caught off a no-ball in the final over of the day. India also set an unwanted record, with their total of 471 being the lowest in Test history where three batters have scored centuries in the same innings.
