India had a disappointing day on the ground on the second day of the first Test against England in Leeds on Saturday. Following their dismissal for 471 earlier in the day, the visitors had expected their bowlers to take advantage of the heavy total. Still, with the exception of Jasprit Bumrah, who was in good form, the Indian bowling team could not make any difference as England closed the day on 209/3.
Missed Opportunities Cost India
Even with a good first-innings lead of 262 runs, India’s fielding was found lacking. The team dropped three easy catches, which provided England with vital lifelines. The first drop occurred in the fifth over when Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn’t hold on to a chance presented, two overs later, Ravindra Jadeja considered one of India’s best fielders dropped another catch off the same batter at backward point.
Barmy Army Takes A Dig At Ravindra Jadeja
To India’s misfortune, Bumrah was denied a third victim when Jaiswal dropped Ollie Pope at third slip, a expensive mistake, as Pope went on to make a century. The fielding lapse was criticized, with England’s fan community, the Barmy Army, going far enough as to ridicule Jadeja on social media for his unusual mistake. They wrote: “Thought Ravindra Jadeja was the best fielder in the world? Hmmmm”
England Rebuilds Strongly After Early Setbacks
England started the last session at 107/1, Duckett with 53 and Pope with 48. Pope completed his half-century in 64 balls with eight boundaries. The pair continued to mount pressure on the Indian bowling, adding a vital 122-run partnership.
Bumrah eventually broke through by getting rid of Duckett for 62 with a stunning delivery that upset the middle stump. Pope, though, continued doggedly at the other end and received solid backup in Joe Root, who escaped a leg-before review just about by Mohammed Siraj.
Bumrah Sends Root Packing, But Pope Continues
The Indian pace spearhead continued to be India’s lone bright spot with the ball. He dismissed Root for the 10th time in Tests, as the England veteran edged one to Karun Nair after making 28 off 58 balls.
Despite Root’s departure, Pope continued his charge, bringing up his ninth Test century and his second against India in 125 deliveries, with 13 boundaries.
Stumps on Day 2: England In Control, India Under Pressure
At the end of play, England were 209/3, still behind by 262 runs but obviously picking up speed. Pope was 100 not out, while Harry Brook was still waiting to get off his mark. Earlier in the day, England bowled India out for 471 after India, who were 359/3 at the beginning of Day 2, lost their remaining seven wickets for only 112 runs a collapse now replicated on the field with squandered opportunities.
