England opener Ben Duckett heaped praise on Ollie Pope after their crucial 122-run stand helped England wrest control of Day 2 of the Headingley Test against India. Pope’s unbeaten century under pressure was the standout performance for the hosts as they finished the day on top despite an early blow.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Duckett reflected on how composed Pope was while facing India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, especially in fading light and against the new ball. According to Duckett, Pope’s temperament and positivity turned the momentum in England’s favour during a key phase of play.
“I just think he was so calm coming out. He probably couldn’t walk out in tougher conditions-with Jasprit (Bumrah) running down the hill with the lights on. I think at one point he was around 50 or run a ball 50, so it was a great partnership with him,” Duckett said.
ENG vs IND 1st Test Day 2 Highlights
“I always have a good time out there in the middle with him, and I got goosebumps when he got to 100. You could see what it meant to him. He’s such a big part of the dressing room, and it was just great to see him be there at 100 not out,” he added.
India had earlier dominated the opening session thanks to Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking century, alongside his equally attacking captain Shubman Gill. At 430/3, India looked set for a massive first-innings score. But a lower-order collapse saw them bowled out for 471, leaving England with an opening.
Bumrah struck immediately, dismissing Zak Crawley in the first over. But from there, Duckett and Pope dug in with a mix of control and intent. The England openers were not without their share of luck—India’s fielders dropped a few chances, including a crucial one by Ravindra Jadeja when Duckett was on 15-but they made those moments count.
Duckett eventually fell for 62, undone by Bumrah’s sharp bowling once again. But by then, he and Pope had laid a solid foundation. Pope, who was picked over young Jacob Bethell in the England Playing XI for the Headingley Test, capitalised on the start and marched to a fine 125-ball century.
Jasprit Bumrah was once again India’s lone shining light with the ball, picking up all three wickets on the day-Crawley, Duckett, and the dangerous Joe Root. But with Pope still unbeaten and Harry Brook settling in, India have a tough task ahead on Day 3 to regain control of the Test in Leeds.