Photo Credit: Reuters
The opening Test between England and India at Headingley witnessed a dramatic shift on Day 2. After being in complete control with centuries from Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill, India’s batting order suffered a shocking collapse. Amid the chaos, it was Jasprit Bumrah who stood tall, delivering a spirited performance with the ball to keep India in the contest.
Pant and Gill Shine Before the Collapse
India resumed their first innings at 359 for 3, with both Pant and Gill well set. The morning session began with fluency and confidence, as the duo extended their partnership past 200 runs. Shubman Gill, batting with composure and maturity, reached 147, while Rishabh Pant played his trademark aggressive game to score a fiery 134.
The pair dominated England’s bowlers for over a session, and a total of 550-plus looked well within reach. But the joy was short-lived. Once Gill departed, India’s middle and lower order unravelled in a span of just 36 minutes.
From 470 for 3 to 471 All Out
India’s collapse was as swift as it was unexpected. From 470 for 3, the visitors were bowled out for 471—losing their last seven wickets for just one run. England’s pace attack, particularly Josh Tongue, found rhythm under cloud cover. Tongue picked up four wickets in a fiery spell, while the Indian tail offered little resistance.
Despite registering three individual centuries—Jaiswal on Day 1, followed by Pant and Gill—India ended with a total that now looks below par given the batting-friendly conditions. The sudden collapse exposed India’s long-standing issue with lower-order contributions in overseas Tests.
Bumrah Brings India Back with the Ball
With England ready to reply, it was up to the bowlers to make an early impact—and Jasprit Bumrah delivered. He removed Zak Crawley with a beautiful outswinger and later produced a near-unplayable yorker to dismiss Joe Root. His figures of 3 for 48 only tell part of the story. Bumrah’s relentless accuracy, pace, and control made him the standout performer for India.
Unfortunately for Bumrah, he received little support from the rest of the bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja struggled to maintain pressure, while debutant Akash Deep was tidy but didn’t offer enough threat. The lack of breakthroughs from the other end allowed England to rebuild steadily.
Ollie Pope’s Century Shifts Momentum
England’s innings was anchored by Ollie Pope, who batted with purpose and resilience to score an unbeaten 100 by stumps. His innings came at a crucial juncture after early wickets and criticism around his form. Alongside Ben Duckett, who scored a fluent 62, Pope guided England to 209 for 3 at the close of play.
Pope’s knock was helped by a dropped catch—Yashasvi Jaiswal missed a relatively straightforward chance when Pope was on 44. The miss may prove to be costly as England look to close in on India’s total on Day 3.
India Lose the Initiative
Day 2 was a tale of two halves for India. The first session saw them dominate through Pant and Gill, but the post-lunch session brought a complete reversal. The collapse not only allowed England back into the match but also took the shine off what could have been a commanding first innings.
Bumrah’s efforts with the ball offered hope, but unless India’s bowlers rally on Day 3, the hosts could take a significant first-innings lead. Fielding lapses and the absence of bowling partnerships have put extra weight on Bumrah’s shoulders.
The Test Hangs in the Balance
As things stand, the ENG vs IND 1st Test is finely poised. England trail by 262 runs with seven wickets in hand, but India’s only consistent weapon has been Jasprit Bumrah. For India to wrest back control, others will have to step up—and quickly.
What looked like a one-sided affair in the morning has now turned into a gripping contest, thanks to England’s resistance and India’s collapse. And at the centre of it all stands Bumrah, battling alone to keep India afloat.
