Ollie Pope orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, crafting a defiant century to lead England’s resurgence after they stumbled against a relentless Indian attack in the opening Test on Saturday. At stumps on day three in Hyderabad, England’s second innings stood at 316-6, with Pope unbeaten on 148 alongside Rehan Ahmed (16) at the crease.
India had earlier wrapped up their first innings on 436, establishing a hefty lead of 190.
When England found themselves at 163-5, Pope took charge, forging a crucial 112-run partnership with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, who contributed 34.
Pope notched his fifth Test century and his first against India with a three off Ravindra Jadeja, celebrating by removing his helmet and acknowledging the applause from the crowd.
Displaying resilience, Pope countered India’s potent spin threat with adept back-and-forth sweeps. His innings was not without its moments of fortune, surviving a dropped catch by Axar Patel off Jadeja’s bowling when he was on 110, after misjudging a reverse sweep.
Although Axar dismissed Foakes to break the partnership, Pope continued to dominate the proceedings, amassing a marathon knock featuring 17 boundaries. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed two wickets each, but Pope’s masterclass remained the highlight of the day.
England’s innings had a rocky start with Zak Crawley falling early to Ashwin’s off-spin. However, a flurry of aggressive sweep shots from Ben Duckett propelled them to 89-1 at lunch, defying the Indian attack.
After lunch, Bumrah produced a sensational spell to dismiss Duckett for 47, just moments after the batsman survived a close lbw call that would have been upheld if reviewed. Bumrah then sent veteran batsman Joe Root packing for two, igniting the crowd with his fiery performance.
Further blows came from Jadeja, who bowled Jonny Bairstow for 10, and Ashwin, who deceived Stokes with a well-crafted flighted delivery, disturbing his off-stump. Notably, this marked the 12th time Ashwin had dismissed the left-hander Stokes in Tests. India, resuming the day at 421-7, saw Jadeja and Axar start cautiously before Root intervened, claiming Jadeja’s wicket and bowling Bumrah on consecutive deliveries, narrowly missing a hat-trick.
Mohammed Siraj thwarted the hat-trick attempt, and Ahmed eventually wrapped up the innings by dismissing Axar on 44. Spinner Jack Leach, nursing a knee injury sustained earlier in the match, made a brief appearance on the field, delivering just one over in the morning session.
