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The Headingley Test match between England and India witnessed a dramatic shift in fortunes, swinging from India's dominant position to England's resilient fightback. Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first, initially questioned, began to bear fruit as the clouds lifted, revealing opportunities for the English side. While still trailing India's substantial first innings total, Ollie Pope's magnificent unbeaten century provided a much-needed foothold in the contest, injecting hope into the home team's batting lineup. Pope's innings was particularly significant considering the scrutiny he faced leading up to the Test. Doubts lingered about his place at No. 3, fueled by his struggles against formidable opponents like India and Australia, and compounded by the emergence of Jacob Bethell as a potential replacement. However, Pope silenced his critics with a masterful display of skill and temperament, proving his worth in a high-pressure situation. England's response to India's imposing 471 all out – a total heavily influenced by a remarkable collapse of seven wickets for just 41 runs – relied heavily on Pope's stability and determination. Facing the relentless attack of Jasprit Bumrah, who was in scintillating form, Pope stood firm, anchoring the innings and providing a vital counterweight to the Indian pace spearhead. While it might be an exaggeration to compare Bumrah to a legendary bowler like Richard Hadlee, his impact was undeniable; his presence on the field created an atmosphere of constant threat, with wickets seemingly imminent whenever he had the ball in his hand. Bumrah's figures of three for 48 from 13 overs hardly reflected the immense pressure he exerted on the English batsmen. He was unlucky not to have claimed more wickets, particularly when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a crucial catch at slip when Pope was on 60. That missed opportunity proved costly, allowing Pope to build his innings and ultimately reach his century. The dropped catch highlighted a potential weakness in the Indian fielding, an area that could prove decisive as the series progresses. Harry Brook's late dismissal, albeit from a no-ball, further underscored the intensity of the contest, where every moment carried significant weight.
Pope's century was not just a display of technical brilliance but also a testament to his mental fortitude. He remained focused and composed despite the relentless pressure from the Indian bowlers, showcasing a maturity that belied his age. His innings was characterized by a combination of solid defense and aggressive strokeplay, allowing him to both weather the storm and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Yorkshire crowd, known for their discerning appreciation of cricket, would have been pleased with Pope's performance. His innings demonstrated a level of skill and determination that resonated with the local fans, earning him their admiration and support. Unlike some of his teammates, whose decision-making might be questioned, Pope displayed sound judgment throughout his innings, making sensible choices and avoiding unnecessary risks. Aside from the dropped catch, Pope gave few opportunities, playing with controlled aggression and maintaining a solid defensive technique. He navigated the challenges posed by Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj with confidence and skill, proving his ability to handle the pressures of Test cricket. Emerging after the early loss of Zak Crawley, Pope quickly established his presence at the crease, looking comfortable and in control from the outset. He dispatched 13 boundaries to the fast outfield, demonstrating his ability to find the gaps and accumulate runs. Pope's innings included several shots played behind square, a characteristic of batsmen who are familiar with the conditions at Headingley. He used the angles of the field to his advantage, picking up valuable runs in unconventional areas. His celebration upon reaching his ninth Test century was a release of pent-up frustration, a moment of triumph after overcoming the challenges and doubts that had plagued him in recent times. While Pope's century was the centerpiece of England's fightback, he also received valuable support from his batting partners. Ben Duckett played a typically aggressive innings, scoring 62 in a partnership of 122 runs. Joe Root contributed 28 in an alliance worth 80, providing stability and experience to the middle order. Both Duckett and Root benefited from early reprieves, with Duckett dropped on 15 and Root overturning an lbw decision on seven. However, both batsmen eventually succumbed to the brilliance of Bumrah, highlighting the Indian bowler's enduring threat.
India's collapse either side of lunch proved to be a turning point in the match. The favorable conditions for swing bowling, combined with Josh Tongue's exceptional performance, allowed England to seize the initiative. Tongue's transformation from a wicketless bowler on day one to a match-winning performer on day two was remarkable. His figures of four for 86 from 20 overs, including a rapid demolition of the Indian tail, were a testament to his skill and perseverance. Stokes jokingly celebrated Tongue's success, comparing it to devouring a rabbit pie, highlighting the bowler's hunger for wickets. Shoaib Bashir's earlier breakthrough, dismissing Shubman Gill, also contributed to India's downfall. Gill's attempt to attack Bashir resulted in his dismissal, opening the door for England to gain momentum. The partnership between Gill and Rishabh Pant had been a significant one, adding 209 runs for the fourth wicket. Pant's entertaining innings, which included 12 fours and six sixes, captivated the crowd. His eventual score of 134 from 178 balls was a display of both aggression and watchful defense. Pant's century was celebrated with a superb somersault, further endearing him to the local fans. However, with Gill's dismissal, the Indian innings unraveled, and England capitalized on the opportunity. The previously listless England side suddenly surged, restricting India's total to 471. This total, despite containing three centuries, became the lowest in Test history to feature such a feat. The three ducks in the Indian innings, including a disappointing dismissal for Karun Nair, contributed to the collapse. Nair, who had waited eight years for a Test recall, was dismissed for just four runs, highlighting the cruel nature of the sport. Tongue's perseverance was rewarded with the eventual removal of Pant, a switch to around the wicket disrupting the left-hander's timing. Jamie Smith, who had earlier missed a stumping opportunity off Pant, could also breathe a sigh of relief. The 40 minutes of rain that intervened after Tongue's heroics provided a brief respite for both teams. However, conditions remained challenging after the restart, with Bumrah continuing to pose a threat with the ball. Bumrah's dismissal of Crawley in his first over after the restart further highlighted his quality and impact. However, dropped catches and other missed opportunities allowed Pope to wriggle England free, setting the stage for a captivating remainder of the Test match.
Source: Pope resists Bumrah to lift England after bowlers claw control away from India