Duckett, Pope Rebuild After Gill’s Heroic 147 as England Fight Back

The 1st Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy took a dramatic turn on Day 2 as Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope led a solid fightback for England after India posted a massive 471 in their first innings.

India’s innings was powered by Shubman Gill’s captaincy knock of 147, supported by a dazzling century from Rishabh Pant (134) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101). However, England’s Duckett-Pope 103-run stand has restored balance in the match.

India’s Dominant Start: Gill, Pant, and Jaiswal Shine

India resumed Day 2 at 359/3, with Gill and Pant at the crease. The duo continued their authoritative stand, adding over 100 runs before Gill fell for a majestic 147 (227 balls, 19 fours, 1 six).

Pant, known for his fearless approach, brought up his 7th Test century with a six. He entertained the Headingley crowd with a somersault celebration, reminiscent of his recent IPL century. His aggressive knock ended at 134, trapped LBW by Josh Tongue.

India’s 1st Innings Summary:

• Shubman Gill – 147

• Rishabh Pant – 134

• Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101

• Total – 471 all out (111.5 overs)

• Top Bowling – Stokes 4/75, Tongue 4/103

England’s Stuttering Start and Duckett-Pope Resistance

Facing a tall Indian total, England’s reply began on a shaky note as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley for just 4 in the very first over. But Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope rebuilt with a resilient partnership.

Duckett, aggressive from the outset, reached his fifty in 76 balls, while Pope supported him with fluent strokeplay. They took England to 107/1 at Tea, frustrating Indian bowlers who dropped multiple catches.

England at Tea on Day 2:

• Ben Duckett – 53 (76 balls)*

• Ollie Pope – 48 (63 balls)*

• England – 107/1 in 24 overs

• Trail by 364 runs

Fielding Woes Hurt India’s Momentum

India’s bowlers were let down by poor fielding, including three dropped catches, with Ravindra Jadeja surprisingly spilling a sitter. Light drizzle briefly interrupted play, but conditions still favored bowling. However, England’s pair looked unfazed.

India also burned a review early, adding to their frustrations. With Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Jadeja failing to make early inroads, Duckett and Pope took charge.

Key Moments from Day 2

• Gill’s commanding 147 anchors India’s innings.

• Pant’s entertaining 134 marks a comeback century.

• England bowlers fight back: Stokes and Tongue share 8 wickets.

• Early breakthrough by Bumrah, but dropped catches hurt India.

• Duckett and Pope’s stand frustrates India as they aim to build.

Weather & Pitch Update

The pitch has flattened post-lunch with much of the grass gone, making batting easier. According to Sunil Gavaskar, conditions post-lunch offered less seam and swing, favoring batsmen like Duckett and Pope.

Rain remains a factor, with 86% chance of showers during late evening sessions. However, revised session timings could allow extended play if light permits.

What’s Next?

England trail by 364 runs, and with rain looming, they would aim to bat long and deep into Day 3. India, on the other hand, must tighten their fielding and strike early in the next session to regain control.

The match remains finely poised as fans look forward to another thrilling day of Test cricket.