IND vs Eng Test Match 2nd day in England’s favour, poor performance of Indian middle and lower order, Pope’s unbeaten century brought England back into the match.
On Day 2 of the 1st Test between India and England at Headingley (June 21, 2025), England seized control despite India’s strong start, largely due to Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century and a disappointing collapse by India’s middle and lower order. India, resuming at 359/3, were bowled out for 471, with Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) scoring centuries.
However, from 430/3, India lost 7 wickets in next 41 runs, with Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/84) triggering the collapse. Karun Nair (0), Ravindra Jadeja, and the tail offered little resistance, exposing India’s middle and lower order fragility under overcast conditions.
England’s reply started shakily with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Zak Crawley for 4, but a 122-run stand between Ben Duckett (62) and Ollie Pope steadied the innings. Pope, unbeaten on 100* off 131 balls, played a pivotal role, surviving a dropped catch on 60 and capitalizing with fluent strokeplay.
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Bumrah struck late, removing Duckett and Joe Root (28), but a no-ball reprieved Harry Brook, leaving England at 209/3, trailing by 262. Pope’s ninth Test century, his second consecutive after 171 against Zimbabwe, brought England back into the contest, shifting momentum in their favor.
The Indian middle and lower order’s inability to build on a dominant position, combined with Pope’s resilience and England’s disciplined batting, made Day 2 England’s, setting up a competitive match.
India’s performance on the second day of the Test match
● FIELDING: India’s fielding was a mixed bag, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a costly error. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s spectacular diving catch at point to dismiss Duckett was a highlight, showcasing athleticism. Rishabh Pant was reliable behind the stumps, handling pace and spin well, though no stumpings or edges came his way.
However, Shubman Gill’s dropped catch of Ollie Pope at second slip on 60 proved decisive, as Pope’s unbeaten century swung momentum to England. The fielders, including KL Rahul and Jadeja, covered ground well but didn’t create run-out chances. The team’s energy waned as England’s partnerships grew, reflecting a need for sharper focus.
● In summary: India’s batting collapsed after a strong start, their bowling showed intent but lacked penetration, and their fielding was let down by a critical drop. These lapses allowed England, led by Pope’s century, to take control, setting up a challenging Day 3 for India.
BOWLING: India’s bowling started with promise but lacked consistency. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout, dismissing Zak Crawley (4) early and later breaking the 122-run stand between Ben Duckett (62) and Ollie Pope by removing Duckett. He also got Joe Root (28), finishing with 2 wickets.
However, a no-ball reprieved Harry Brook, who remained not out with Pope (100*). Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowled tidily but failed to make breakthroughs, with Ashwin’s variations not finding enough turn and Jadeja unable to disrupt Pope’s rhythm.
India’s bowlers struggled to maintain pressure, allowing England to reach 209/3, trailing by 262. The attack needed more incisiveness to capitalize on early gains.
● BATTING: India started strongly at 359/3, with Shubman Gill (147) and Rishabh Pant (134) building on their overnight scores, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 101 from Day 1. Gill’s composed innings included 16 fours, while Pant’s aggressive century featured 14 boundaries and 3 sixes.
However, from a commanding 430/3, India collapsed to 471 all out, losing 7 wickets for 41 runs. The middle and lower order crumbled, with Karun Nair (0), Ravindra Jadeja (8), and tailenders like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj failing to contribute.
England’s Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/84) exploited overcast conditions, exposing India’s fragility outside their top order. The inability to push past 500 was a missed opportunity on a batting-friendly pitch.