Tongue roars back with four-wicket haul in Indias dramatic collapse
Resuming at 359-3, India advanced steadily before losing Shubman Gill for 147 at 430-4. Rishabh Pants 134 marked his fourth Test century against England the most by any wicketkeeper-batter against the opposition, surpassing Tom Latham, Adam Gilchrist, Ian Healy, and Brad Haddin all with three centuries. Karun Nair, returning to Test cricket after an eight-year absence, fell for a duck to become Ben Stokess who third wicket.
India collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 41 runs. Josh Tongue, expensive on the opening day, redeemed himself with figures of 4-86, but Stokes emerged as the standout bowler across both days, finishing with 4-66, his third-best bowling figures as captain.
Pope hits crucial ton to justify selection
Englands response suffered an early blow when Jasprit Bumrah struck in the very first over, dismissing Zak Crawley 4 caught by Karun Nair at slip. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope then counterattacked with a brisk partnership to revive Englands innings. Duckett fell to Bumrah for 62 off 94 balls, leaving England at 126-2. Pope, under pressure due to his inconsistent Test record despite a recent 171 against Zimbabwe silenced critics with an unbeaten 100 not out off 131 balls, justifying his selection over rising star Jacob Bethell at No. 3.