Ollie Pope produced a remarkable century under pressure on day two of the first Test against India at Headingley, steering England back into the contest after early setbacks. Walking in with his team in serious trouble and his own place in the side under scrutiny, Pope responded with an assured, unbeaten 100, achieved in the final moments of an extended day’s play.
His innings came at a time when England were 467 runs behind India, who had posted a mammoth first-innings score. The pressure was intensified by the loss of Zak Crawley off the final ball of the first over, courtesy of a near-unplayable delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. Pope, however, remained composed and countered the world’s top-ranked bowler with calm authority, compiling his ninth Test hundred in challenging batting conditions under lights.
Ben Duckett, who had earlier contributed a solid 62, was full of praise for Pope’s composure and determination. He recalled watching from the balcony as Pope reached his century and described the moment as one that gave him “goosebumps.” According to Duckett, the manner in which Pope remained loyal to his natural playing style despite the external noise and high-pressure situation was a key factor in his success.
Speculation about Pope’s position in the team had continued even after his commanding 171 against Zimbabwe in the previous series. But his latest innings, built under far more difficult circumstances, will likely solidify his spot at No 3, at least in the short term. It was not only a statement of intent but also a performance that lifted the dressing room and silenced critics outside it.
While Pope held firm, England still had to contend with Bumrah, who claimed all three wickets to fall on the day. He dismissed Joe Root soon after Pope’s milestone and was denied a fourth wicket when Harry Brook was caught at midwicket in the final over, only for a no-ball to be called. England also benefited from India’s slip-ups in the field, with three dropped catches allowing them to close the day on 209 for three, still trailing by 262 runs.
The day had started well for India, but their innings faltered dramatically. From a dominant 430 for three, they collapsed to 471 all out, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. England’s bowlers seized control during a crucial period spanning the lunch break, with Josh Tongue playing a key role by taking four of the final five wickets reinforcing his nickname, “the mop,” for his habit of cleaning up the tail.
Despite the setback, India’s performance with the bat on day one remained a strong foundation. Yet it was England, led by Pope’s grit and Tongue’s burst, who clawed their way back into the match.
