Ollie Pope Shines as England Dominates Day Two Against India in Leeds Test

The second day of the Leeds Test showcased a remarkable performance by England, highlighted by Ollie Pope's century and Ben Duckett's commendations. Duckett praised Pope's calmness under pressure and acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah's bowling prowess. With England ending the day at 209/3, the match remains competitive as they trail by 262 runs. This article delves into the key moments and player performances that defined the day's play.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2025, 13:59 IST

England's Strong Performance on Day Two

The second day of the Leeds Test saw an exciting display of cricket, with England opener Ben Duckett praising his teammate Ollie Pope for his impressive century. The day was marked by India's batting struggles and England's solid performance, making it a thrilling experience for cricket fans.

Praise for Ollie Pope's Century

In the post-match press conference, Duckett expressed admiration for Pope's calm demeanor while facing challenging conditions, particularly against Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Duckett noted, "He was so composed coming out, especially with Jasprit charging in. At one point, he was scoring at a run-a-ball pace, which was fantastic to witness. Reaching 100 was a special moment for him, and it was evident how much it meant to him. He plays a crucial role in our team, and seeing him finish not out was wonderful."

Ollie Pope's Impressive Stats

Pope has amassed 2,124 runs in 29 matches and 49 innings, boasting an average of 45.19, including eight centuries and seven fifties. His highest score stands at 205, with a strike rate exceeding 75.

Duckett's Respect for Jasprit Bumrah

Duckett also commended Bumrah, who claimed all three of England's wickets, labeling him the "best bowler in the world" regardless of the playing conditions. He remarked, "Bumrah excels even on the flattest pitches in India, and facing him under the lights with the ball swinging is a real challenge. We managed to limit the damage today, which is a positive outcome for us."

Duckett on Bumrah's Bowling Style

Duckett emphasized the need to apply pressure on Bumrah rather than allowing him to dictate play. He highlighted Bumrah's unique run-up and his ability to deliver various types of deliveries without any clear cues, making him a formidable opponent.

Josh Tongue: The X-Factor

Regarding pacer Josh Tongue, who took four wickets, Duckett referred to him as the "X-Factor," capable of quickly dismissing lower-order batsmen. He stated, "It's frustrating when the tailenders contribute runs and build partnerships, so having Tongue in the team is invaluable."

Match Summary

At the end of day two, England stood at 209/3, with Ollie Pope (100*) and Harry Brook (0*) at the crease. Duckett contributed significantly with a half-century (62 off 94 balls, including nine fours), helping England recover after the early loss of Zak Crawley. Jasprit Bumrah's three wickets posed challenges for England, but they managed to maintain a strong position, trailing by 262 runs.

Recap of Day One

On the first day, England won the toss and chose to bowl first. India posted a total of 471 runs, thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134). Despite a strong start, England's bowlers, Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86), managed to trigger a batting collapse.