IND vs ENG: Day 3: Ollie Pope's Sweeping Heroics: England Rescued from Deep Trouble

The third day of the first Test between India and England saw a significant shift in momentum. While India lost ground in the first session, they rallied in the second, putting themselves in a favorable position. England’s batting duo, Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes, played crucial roles in steering England beyond their first-innings deficit, ending the day at 316-6 and taking a lead of 126 runs. Ollie Pope’s standout century, achieved in just 154 balls, marked a key milestone in the match. The 22-year-old showcased resilience against India’s spin challenge at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.

The third day of the first Test between India and England witnessed England’s strong performance, particularly in the first and early parts of the second session. India, starting the day at 421/7, faced a disciplined effort from England’s bowlers, particularly Wood and Root, who kept the hosts in check with a sedate start. Root showcased his bowling skills by dismissing Jadeja and Bumrah off consecutive deliveries, securing a four-wicket haul.

Despite these breakthroughs, England maintained an attacking approach, managing to reduce their deficit to 101 runs by the end of the first session. The visitors’ disciplined and strategic play in the crucial moments of the match has added an extra layer of competitiveness to the ongoing Test.

See Also: IND vs ENG: Day 2: KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja’s Dominant Performance Puts England in a Tight Spot

A Sensational Innings Keeps England Afloat in the Test Battle

Ollie Pope exhibited his class and determination in one of the finest innings of his Test career during the ongoing match against India. Facing the formidable Indian spin trio, Pope played a gritty knock that showcased his skill and resilience. England found themselves at 163-5, but Pope, along with Foakes, engineered a crucial 112-run partnership before the latter was dismissed.

Pope’s innings not only steadied England’s innings but also played a pivotal role in helping them surpass India’s first-innings total. The partnership between Pope and Foakes demonstrated the ability to counter the challenges posed by the Indian spinners, providing England with a fighting chance in the Test match.

Ollie Pope displayed an impressive ability to handle the formidable Indian spin trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar during his outstanding innings. Against R Ashwin, Pope attacked aggressively, scoring 41 runs off just 42 balls, putting the experienced spinner under pressure. His approach against Axar Patel was also effective, as he managed to score 27 runs off 41 balls, featuring four boundaries.

However, it was against Ravindra Jadeja that Pope showcased his best performance, accumulating 63 runs off 94 balls, including eight boundaries. These statistics highlight Pope’s skill in tackling the top spinners of the Indian team and played a crucial role in England’s fightback in the Test match.

As Day 3 concludes, England finds themselves in a good position with a lead of 126 runs and Ollie Pope unbeaten on 148. Pope’s remarkable innings has put England in control, and they will aim to extend their lead beyond 200 on Day 4. Meanwhile, India will look to dismiss the remaining England batters quickly and limit the lead to give themselves an easy target in the fourth innings.

The stage is set for an intriguing day of Test cricket, with both teams having their tasks cut out for them as they navigate the challenges posed by the conditions and opposition. The battle for supremacy in this first Test between India and England promises to be finely poised and will likely see key moments shaping the outcome.