IND vs ENG Match Scorecard: After two gripping days of high-quality Test cricket at Headingley, India ended Day 2 of the first Test against England firmly in control, despite a fighting unbeaten century from Ollie Pope that kept English hopes alive. At stumps on Day 2, England reached 209/3 in 49 overs, still trailing India by 262 runs, after the visitors posted a mammoth 471-run total in their first innings. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s charge with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 48 runs, while Ollie Pope’s classy 100 off 131 balls* held the innings together for the hosts.
India’s Batting Brilliance: Gill and Pant Shine
Earlier, India resumed Day 2 on a strong note with Shubman Gill converting his overnight start into a commanding 147, while Rishabh Pant blazed his way to 134 off 178 balls, slamming 12 fours and 6 sixes.
Yashasvi Jaiswal had set the tone on Day 1 with a patient 101, marking a dream start to India’s campaign in the five-Test series. The top-order trio made England toil under overcast skies with composed strokeplay and sharp running between the wickets.
India’s innings was not without hiccups, as Ben Stokes emerged as England’s most successful bowler, picking up 4 wickets for 66 runs, while Josh Tongue also bagged a crucial 4-wicket haul, showing promise in just his second Test. However, England’s bowlers lacked consistency, conceding 31 extras that added to their misery.
India were eventually bowled out for 471 in 113 overs, a commanding total on a pitch that still has some bounce and movement for pacers.
England’s Stuttering Reply
Facing an uphill task, England’s reply began on a shaky note as Zak Crawley was dismissed for just 4 by Jasprit Bumrah in the very first over. Ben Duckett steadied the ship with a fluent 62 off 94 balls, before falling again to Bumrah, who was clearly India’s go-to strike weapon.
England were dealt another blow when Joe Root, trying to build a partnership with Pope, was dismissed for 28 off 58 balls—caught by Karun Nair, again off Bumrah.
At 206/3, with Harry Brook (0)* just beginning his innings, and Pope holding the fort at one end, England still face a significant challenge to avoid conceding a big first-innings deficit.
Bowling Analysis
For India, Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/48 was a masterclass in control and aggression. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled with effort but remained wicketless, while Ravindra Jadeja’s 9 overs for 25 runs offered the kind of control India needed to keep England in check.
India may be tempted to bring spin into play more significantly on Day 3 as the pitch begins to wear. With the new ball just 11 overs away, Rohit Sharma’s men will look to make early inroads on Sunday morning to build pressure and move toward enforcing a result.
Key Highlights from Day 2
Shubman Gill scored 147 (227 balls, 19 fours, 1 six)
Rishabh Pant hammered 134 (178 balls, 12 fours, 6 sixes)
Yashasvi Jaiswal made a composed 101 (158 balls)
Ben Stokes & Josh Tongue took 4 wickets each
Ollie Pope remained unbeaten on 100 (131 balls)
Jasprit Bumrah picked 3/48 from 13 overs
What to Expect on Day 3?
With England still trailing by 262 runs, all eyes will be on Pope and Brook to rescue the innings. India, on the other hand, will aim to dismiss England cheaply and possibly enforce a follow-on or bat again with a hefty lead. The weather looks promising, and Day 3 could prove decisive in tilting the game further in India’s favour.
This Test has already showcased exceptional batting, gritty comebacks, and fiery spells, making it a perfect start to a highly anticipated series.
Match Summary (End of Day 2):
India – 471 all out in 113 overs
England – 209/3 in 49 overs (Ollie Pope 100*, Jasprit Bumrah 3/48)
England trail by 262 runs
