IND vs ENG TEST DAY 2: Bumrah Shows His True Class, But Pope Stands Firm
Leeds: On Day 2 of the Headingley Test, India and England engaged in a balanced contest, with India gaining the upper hand thanks to Jasprit Bumrah, who rattled the English top order. As Day 3 approaches, England still trails by 262 runs.
Bumrah – A Fiery Return to the Big Stage
All three English wickets – Zak Crawley (4), Ben Duckett (62), Joe Root (28) – were claimed by Bumrah.
He broke the crucial partnerships: 122 runs between Duckett and Pope, and 80 runs between Pope and Root. Though Bumrah threatened Ollie Pope multiple times, Pope remained unbeaten on 100 off 131 balls with 13 boundaries.
Pope – A Resilient Reply
Despite the pressure from Bumrah, Pope handled India’s other four bowlers – Siraj, Krishna, Jadeja, and Shardul – with poise and confidence.
India’s First Innings – Great Start, Sudden Collapse
Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134) all scored memorable centuries, combining for 382 runs. However, India lost their last 7 wickets for just 41 runs, collapsing to 471 all out.
Pant lit up the session with his aggressive batting, smashing 6 sixes in true T20 style.
England’s Bowlers Fight Back
Ben Stokes took 4 wickets for 66 runs. Josh Tongue also claimed 4 wickets for 86.
Both bowlers cleaned up the Indian lower order effectively.
What to Watch for on Day 3
India will look to dismiss Pope early and limit England to under 300.
The remaining Indian bowlers, especially Jadeja and Siraj, need to step up and deliver wickets.
The pitch may offer more spin on Day 4, which could work in India’s favour.