England fought back on Day 2 of the third Test in Leeds, closing at 209 for 3 in reply to India’s first-innings total of 471. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell and three wickets, it was Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century that stole the spotlight - and potentially the momentum - for the hosts.
Score Summary at Stumps
Missed Opportunities Cost India Dearly
It was a day where India let control slip through their fingers - literally. Three dropped chances and a crucial no-ball on a wicket delivery allowed England to recover from early pressure.
Ollie Pope was the biggest beneficiary, surviving on 10, 48, and 60 - all off Bumrah’s bowling. Despite consistently troubling England’s top order, Bumrah’s fine spell was marred by these lapses, none more frustrating than the front-foot no-ball that gave Harry Brook a lifeline on 0.
Pope Resurges, Frustrates India
Pope reached his ninth Test hundred with a gutsy knock, soaking up pressure and riding his luck early on. The 26-year-old’s century followed his 171 against Zimbabwe, cementing his return to form amid growing competition from younger players like Jacob Bethell.
The right-hander shared a 122-run stand with Ben Duckett (62), making life increasingly difficult for Indian bowlers as the day progressed. Duckett was eventually bowled via an inside edge off Bumrah, but not before doing considerable damage.
India Collapse After Strong Start
The day began with Rishabh Pant in full flow, adding to his overnight score with inventive strokeplay and bringing up his sixth century as wicketkeeper-batter. He hit six sixes during his 134 — a record for an Indian wicketkeeper abroad.
But once Pant fell lbw to Josh Tongue, India lost 7 wickets for 41 runs, squandering a chance to post a total beyond reach. Shubman Gill’s fine 147 was the only other significant contribution, with Karun Nair, Thakur, and the tail failing to add much.
England's Bowlers Fight Back
Captain Ben Stokes led from the front with 4 for 66, while Josh Tongue bounced back from a rough start to claim 4 for 86, cleaning up the lower order with pace and precision.
Bumrah on Fire, But Not Rewarded
Jasprit Bumrah was India's most dangerous weapon, taking all three English wickets and constantly troubling the batters with sharp seam movement and bounce. His dismissal of Zak Crawley with a seaming delivery that nicked to slip was one for the highlights reel.
Unfortunately, Bumrah’s final over summed up India’s day. A no-ball nullified what would’ve been Brook’s dismissal, and frustration boiled over with an animated bouncer to end the session.
Siraj, Krishna Provide Support
Mohammed Siraj came back well after a poor first spell, troubling Joe Root and almost dismissing him lbw. A review showed the ball missing leg stump, saving Root on just 7. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur also tried to break through but lacked penetration.
England Still Trail, But Momentum Shifts
Despite trailing by 262 runs, England ended the day on a high with seven wickets in hand. India, while still in command numerically, let slip a golden opportunity to dominate the match completely.
Day 3 will be crucial. If England can continue building around Pope and get close to India's total, we may be in for another thrilling Test match twist.
Match Tags:
- India vs England
- England vs India
- ICC World Test Championship
- India tour of England
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