Day 2 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley saw a fascinating battle unfold, with momentum swinging between the two sides. India, resuming at a commanding 359/3, were eventually bowled out for 471, courtesy of centuries from Shubman Gill (147) and Rishabh Pant (134), in addition to Yashasvi Jaiswal's ton on Day 1. However, England responded strongly, finishing the day at 209/3, largely due to an unbeaten century from Ollie Pope.
India's innings on Day 2 didn't quite live up to the expectations set by their strong performance on the first day. Gill and Pant extended their partnership, but a spirited bowling effort from England, led by Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86), saw India lose their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. Pant reached his seventh Test century in spectacular fashion, but the late collapse meant India fell short of what they might have hoped for. Karun Nair's return to Test cricket after eight years was anticlimactic, as he was dismissed for a duck.
England's reply began poorly, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Zak Crawley in the very first over. However, Ben Duckett (62) and Ollie Pope then counter-attacked, putting on a 103-run partnership for the second wicket. Bumrah returned to dismiss Duckett, and later trapped Joe Root (28), but Pope remained resilient, bringing up his ninth Test century off 131 balls.
Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, finishing the day with 3/48. He consistently troubled the English batsmen with his pace, movement, and skill. However, he was also unlucky, as he had Harry Brook caught in the final over of the day, only for it to be ruled a no-ball. That moment encapsulated the day's narrative: Bumrah's brilliance, Pant's dazzling ton, and Pope's dogged resistance.
Ollie Pope's innings was crucial for England. He not only scored a century but also weathered some challenging spells from Bumrah and the other Indian bowlers. He was particularly strong square of the wicket and remained composed even as wickets fell at the other end. His partnership with Harry Brook, who survived a tense final over to remain 0 not out, will be key for England on Day 3.
The Headingley pitch continued to offer movement and uneven bounce, making life difficult for the batsmen. The conditions are expected to remain overcast on Day 3, which could assist the seam bowlers. 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 and Brook can continue their resistance and take them closer to India's total. The match is finely poised, promising more exciting cricket on the days to come.
