Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century and Josh Tongue’s incisive four-wicket haul turned the tide England’s way on Day 2 of the opening Test against India, despite a swashbuckling century from Rishabh Pant that lit up Headingley.
England closed the day at 209/3 in 49 overs, still trailing India’s first-innings 471 by 262 runs, but firmly back in the contest thanks to Pope’s assured 100 not out and Ben Duckett’s fluent 62.
Earlier, India appeared poised for a mammoth total at 430/3, riding on Pant’s 134 off 153 balls and Shubman Gill’s 147, before a dramatic lower-order collapse – losing seven wickets for 41 runs – saw them bowled out for 471.
Pant powers India, then collapse strikes
Resuming on 395/3, India’s morning session was dominated by Pant, who played with typical flair to notch up his seventh Test century – the most by an Indian wicketkeeper, going past MS Dhoni. He reached the landmark in style, stepping out to smash Shoaib Bashir for a one-handed six over midwicket before celebrating with a gymnastic somersault.
I’ve worked on my fitness and flexibility a lot. That celebration came naturally – just like the innings. I wanted to play positively and it paid off.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, however, lamented the sudden collapse. “We expected to get to at least 520 or more from that position,” he said. “But full credit to England’s bowlers. There was no complacency — sometimes, it just doesn’t go your way.”
Josh Tongue, who finished with 4/86, triggered the turnaround post drinks. His short-ball barrage saw the back of Gill and Pant in quick succession, with Ben Stokes (4/66) cleaning up the tail efficiently.
Pope and Duckett lead England’s fightback
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck early in England’s reply, removing Zak Crawley with a peach that moved away late and was snatched brilliantly at first slip.
But England weathered the early storm as Pope and Duckett added 122 for the second wicket. Duckett was typically brisk, reaching his fifty off 70 balls with a sweep off Jadeja.
The key was to ride the pressure early and not let India’s attack dictate terms,” “Ollie played an unbelievable knock. He took control once he was set.
Bumrah, relentless with the ball, got his reward again when he dismissed Duckett for 62 – chopping one onto his stumps – and then returned to remove Joe Root just after Pope completed his hundred.
Bumrah was outstanding. But we needed more support around him. Our lengths were inconsistent from the other end.
Pope stands tall
Coming into the series with scrutiny over his consistency, Pope repaid the team’s faith with a well-crafted innings that mixed patience with timely aggression. He survived a tough chance at 60, dropped by Jaiswal, but didn’t look back. His century – his ninth in Tests – came off 125 balls and was laced with 13 fours.
I’ve worked hard to tighten my game. To get a hundred against this Indian attack feels satisfying. But the job’s only half done.
Day 3 promises to be pivotal, with Pope anchoring England’s hopes of parity and India needing early breakthroughs to restore their authority.
Brief Scores: India – 471 all out in 113 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 101, Shubman Gill 147, Rishabh Pant 134; Ben Stokes 4/66, Josh Tongue 4/86) England – 209/3 in 49 overs at stumps (Ollie Pope 100*, Ben Duckett 62; Jasprit Bumrah 3/48).
