Sunday, June 22, 2025

England vs India Test Day 2: Bumrah Shines, England Fight Back After Indian Collapse

 

England vs India, 2nd Test, Headingley – Day 2 Report

Venue: Headingley, Leeds
Series: India Tour of England 2025
Match Stage: 2nd Test – Day 2

Momentum Shifts as England Hit Back After India’s Batting Showcase

After a commanding Day 1 with the bat, India looked well on course for a mammoth first-innings total at Headingley. But Day 2 brought a dramatic shift in momentum. England, needing quick breakthroughs to stay in the contest, responded with a spirited bowling performance led by Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue. Despite centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, a middle-order collapse saw India squander a position of strength and finish with 471—all out after being 430 for 3.

Jasprit Bumrah once again shouldered India’s bowling hopes, striking early and often, but England ended the day firmly in the contest thanks to a fine century from Ollie Pope. At stumps, England were 209 for 3, trailing by 262 runs, with Pope unbeaten on 100 and Harry Brook yet to get off the mark.

England’s Turn

England couldn't have scripted a better start to Day 2. India resumed at 336 for 2, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in complete control. The pair continued to dominate early on, stretching the total to 430 before the collapse began. Gill, looking sublime on 147, was the first to fall, misjudging a delivery and gifting England the opening they needed.

Karun Nair fell for a duck, lured into a drive by Stokes, while Pant (134) paid the price for leaving an in-swinger that clattered into his pads. Shardul Thakur lasted just four balls, and the rest of the tail offered minimal resistance.

From 430 for 3, India were bowled out for 471—an underwhelming finish given the platform. Stokes and Tongue ended with four wickets each, while Carse and Bashir chipped in with one apiece. Chris Woakes went wicketless.

For India, it was a tale of missed opportunity—batting depth was prioritized over bowling firepower, but the middle-order collapse raises questions about that trade-off.

Bumrah Strikes Early, But Support Lacking

With clouds overhead and a hint of drizzle in the air, the conditions were tailor-made for seam bowling. And Jasprit Bumrah wasted no time. In just his first over, he produced a stunning delivery that took Zak Crawley’s edge to first slip.

But what followed highlighted a familiar story for India: Bumrah alone cannot carry the attack.

Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope dug in, weathering the storm and taking advantage of anything loose. The pair added 122 runs, helped along by some sloppy Indian fielding. Duckett was dropped on 15 by Jadeja at backward point, and Pope got a reprieve on 60 when Jaiswal shelled a chance in the slips. Both chances came off Bumrah’s bowling.

Despite the lapses, Bumrah continued to threaten and finally got Duckett for 62.

He returned later to dismiss Joe Root (28) with another sharp delivery. At the other end, though, India struggled. Siraj and Prasidh Krishna failed to maintain consistent lines, and England scored freely—especially off Krishna, who offered too much width. Jadeja was economical but largely defensive, while Shardul Thakur leaked runs.

Stumps on Day 2: England 209/3, Pope Anchors the Chase

By the end of Day 2, England had steadied themselves after the early scare. Ollie Pope, calm and composed, reached a brilliant century, ensuring England kept pace with the game.

He was joined at the close by Harry Brook, who had a slice of fortune—caught off a no-ball bowled by Bumrah.

England trail by 262 runs with seven wickets in hand, and crucially, still have batting depth to come. For India, the day once again ended with Jasprit Bumrah as the lone shining light in an otherwise unremarkable bowling performance.

The Moving Day Beckons

Day 3 promises to be the pivotal day of the Test—the classic "moving day" where one side often pulls ahead decisively. England will look to erase the deficit and build a lead. With Pope well-set and plenty of batting to come, they have a real shot at not just matching India’s score but surpassing it.

India’s challenge will be finding support for Bumrah. Without it, they risk watching England take control of the match. The fielding lapses and lack of bowling pressure outside Bumrah are concerning signs. The big question for India: where will the remaining 17 English wickets come from?

With the pitch flattening and England scoring at a good tempo, they’ll back themselves to chase any target in the fourth innings—especially if Bumrah is neutralized. India’s decision to go in light on bowling might come under further scrutiny.

Final Thoughts

As the Test heads into Day 3, the momentum has clearly shifted. England’s resurgence with both bat and ball has set up a fascinating contest. The third day could well decide which team dictates terms heading into the final innings. One thing is certain—cricket fans are in for a compelling watch.

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