India resumed Day Two at 359 for 3. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant continued to build on the strong start. Gill reached his career-best score of 147 and played with control. Meanwhile, Pant thrilled the crowd with his bold strokeplay.

To begin with, Pant played a stunning falling paddle shot off spinner Bashir. Then, he hit a six over mid-wicket to move to 94. Since the 90s have troubled him in the past, he played carefully and moved to 99 with singles.

Finally, he reached his seventh Test hundred with a one-handed six off Bashir. He marked the moment with a perfect somersault.

Earlier, during India’s Australia tour, Sunil Gavaskar had criticised Pant’s shot selection and called it “stupid, stupid, stupid.” But this time, Gavaskar praised him live on air, saying, “superb, superb, superb!”

However, after Pant and Gill fell, India collapsed. In two sessions, England took seven wickets for just 41 runs. Yet, India managed to post a strong total of 471.

Bumrah Strikes Early

Soon after India’s innings ended, Jasprit Bumrah gave India a great start. He dismissed Zak Crawley for 4 in the very first over.

Crawley never looked settled. In fact, he edged the first three balls. The fourth delivery took the outside edge, hit his thigh pad, and flew to Karun Nair at slip.

Duckett and Pope Lead a Fightback

After Crawley’s dismissal, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope steadied the innings. They built a valuable 122-run partnership for the second wicket.

Importantly, Duckett got a life on 15, when Ravindra Jadeja dropped him at backward point off Bumrah. England made the most of this. Meanwhile, Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna failed to maintain pressure. They bowled too full and too wide, allowing free scoring opportunities.

Bumrah Returns to Break the Stand

Then, Bumrah returned for a short third spell. This time, he bowled Duckett, who chopped the ball onto his stumps. That wicket halted England’s progress.

Pope Reads the Conditions Well

After that, Ollie Pope continued to bat smartly. He adjusted his game to the pitch and India’s bowling. He used his bottom hand well and scored runs through cuts and dabs.

Soon after, Pope survived a big LBW shout from Siraj. Still, he kept his composure. He reached his ninth Test century with a quick single off Bumrah. The Headingley crowd roared in applause.

Bumrah Strikes Again to Remove Root

Meanwhile, Joe Root provided solid support. He and Pope added 80 runs for the third wicket. But just as England looked settled, Bumrah returned.

He bowled a sharp delivery that removed Root for 28. That wicket gave India a much-needed breakthrough late in the day.

Brook Survives a No-Ball Scare

Towards the end, Harry Brook came in to bat. In the last over of the day, he pulled a short ball from Bumrah straight to Mohammed Siraj. India celebrated the catch, but it turned out to be a no-ball. Brook survived.

England Ends Day Two at 209 for 3

At stumps, England stood at 209 for 3. Ollie Pope remained unbeaten on 100, while Brook was on 0. England still trails India by 262 runs.

Brief Scorecard