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Key Points

Ollie Pope answered his critics with a crucial century as England fought back against India at Headingley. Ben Duckett admitted getting goosebumps watching Pope dominate under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah remained a constant threat, taking three wickets including Duckett's. The match hangs in balance with England trailing by 262 runs heading into Day Three.

Key Points: Duckett Hails Pope Century as England Chase India in Headingley Test

  • Pope silences critics with unbeaten 100 against India
  • Duckett admires Pope's ability to handle pressure
  • Bumrah shines with 3-48 despite England's fightback
  • England trail by 262 runs after Day Two
2 min read

He comes in and takes all the pressure off you: Pope's ton gives 'goosebumps' to Duckett

Ben Duckett praises Ollie Pope's unbeaten ton under pressure as England trail India by 262 runs in the first Test at Headingley.

"I had goosebumps for him... He comes in and takes all the pressure off you and scores quick. – Ben Duckett on Ollie Pope"

Leeds, June 22

England opener Ben Duckett lauded Ollie Pope for his unbeaten century on day two of the first Test between England and India at Headingley, admitting that he had goosebumps watching under-pressure Ollie raising his ton.

Pope came into the series against India under pressure, with doubts about his spot at No 3 after a poor record against India and Australia and not quelled by that 171 against Zimbabwe. Many were even suggesting that Jacob Bethell should replace him, especially with the Ashes coming up this winter.

Pope celebrated his ninth Test century , scoring 100 from 125 deliveries with 13 fours after inside-edging a Jasprit Bumrah in-seamer towards the leg side, as England trail India by 262 runs after reaching 209/3 in 49 overs at stumps on Day Two of the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

"I had goosebumps for him. You go one down and he comes in and takes all the pressure on you and scores quick. He is such a legend and such a big part of this team. We know there is noise outside the dressing room so to go and score 171 then 100 is something else. If he does get in, he gets 100s and someone like him at 3 against India, it is a no brainer. Popey scored 100s, and he did it away as well when we won- he is a match winner. It is a great start to the series for him," Duckett told Sky Sports.

Duckett, who himself scored 62 before inside-edging Jasprit Bumrah on to his stumps, and heaped praise onto India's spearhead, who ended the day on brilliant figures of 3-48.

"He is the best bowler in the world. He's extremely hard to face. He's good in any conditions; he's good in India on the flattest pitches ever and when he's coming in down the hill at Headingley with the lights on and it's swinging both ways. I feel like we minimised the damage early on.

"It could have been a lot worse today… He is just a world-class bowler, and you can't let someone like him just bowl; he's too good for that. You've got to still try and put him under pressure, and try to put the bad balls away," Duckett said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Pope's century was class but let's not forget Bumrah's magic! 3 wickets including Duckett's - our pace attack is world class 🇮🇳 The way he swings the ball both ways is pure art. Hope our batsmen can build a big lead tomorrow!
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Priya M.
Test cricket at its best! Both teams showing why this is the ultimate format. Pope played brilliantly under pressure, but I'm confident our bowlers will bounce back. Shami would have been lethal on this pitch though 😕
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Arjun S.
Duckett praising Bumrah shows real sportsmanship. That's what cricket is about! But tomorrow is new day - our spinners will come into play as pitch wears. Jadeja-Ashwin combo can turn this match around! #BelieveInBlue
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Sneha R.
England always talks about 'Bazball' but our bowlers are containing them well. 209/3 after being 250+ behind isn't bad. Need Pujara and Kohli to show their class in 2nd innings! 🤞
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Vikram J.
Respect to Pope for his knock but our first innings total looks competitive. Pitch seems to be helping pacers - Siraj could be dangerous with the old ball tomorrow. Game is evenly poised!
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Neha T.
As an Indian fan in UK, the atmosphere was electric today! Both teams playing positive cricket. But Bumrah is the real MVP - that Yorker to dismiss Root was 😍 Hope we get early wickets tomorrow!

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