Following a dramatic second day at Headingley, Ben Duckett praised Ollie Pope’s unbeaten century and revealed the challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah under swinging floodlights in Leeds.
Leeds [UK], June 22: Day two of the ongoing Leeds Test between India and England delivered top-tier Test match drama as England dominated most sessions with the bat after Rishabh Pant’s fireworks and an Indian batting collapse. One man stood tall at the crease — Ollie Pope, whose commanding century was not only the turning point of the day but also a testament to his calm under pressure.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, England opener Ben Duckett heaped praise on Pope’s composed ton and opened up on the challenge of tackling India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, whom he called the “best bowler in the world.”
Pope, batting at number three, reached his ninth Test century — and second against India — finishing the day unbeaten on 100, anchoring England’s innings to 209/3 alongside Harry Brook (0).
“Goosebumps when he got to 100” – Duckett on Pope
“Yeah, I just think he was so calm coming out,” Duckett said, describing Pope’s composure despite Bumrah steaming in with the new ball under the lights.
“You probably couldn’t walk out in tougher conditions with Jasprit running down the hill… At one point, he was run-a-ball 50. It was great batting with him. I always enjoy it with Popey. It gave me goosebumps when he got to 100 — you could see what it meant to him. He’s such a big part of this dressing room.”
Pope’s record at number three continues to impress, with 2,124 runs from 29 matches at an average of 45.19, now including eight centuries and seven fifties, and a career-best of 205.
Duckett: Bumrah is the World’s Best
While Pope stole the headlines with the bat, Duckett credited India’s Jasprit Bumrah for making life extremely difficult for the English top order.
“He’s good in India on the flattest pitches ever,” Duckett remarked. “But when he’s coming in down the hill, under lights, swinging it both ways — it’s tough.”
Bumrah was the lone bright spot for India, dismissing three of the top four England batters and troubling them consistently.
Duckett added, “We tried to minimise damage early on. It could have been worse, so I think we’re in a decent position.”
Explaining what makes Bumrah exceptional, Duckett said,
“His run-up is unique — you’re waiting and waiting. And then, he bowls three or four different balls with no cue. You can’t tell if it’s a bouncer, slower one, outswinger, or inswinger till the last moment. That fast wrist makes him hard to read. You’ve got to watch every ball like a hawk.”
“Josh Tongue is our X-Factor”
Duckett also praised pacer Josh Tongue, who claimed 4 wickets, calling him England’s X-Factor.
“There’s nothing more frustrating than tailenders scoring runs. Tonguey has that ability to clean them up quickly, and that’s massive in matches like this.”
Recap of Day Two Action
After being bowled out for 471, India’s dominant start on Day One — where they were 430/4 — was curtailed by Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86). The collapse cost them 6 wickets for just 41 runs.
In reply, England reached 209/3 at stumps, trailing by 262 runs, thanks to Duckett’s 62 and Pope’s unbeaten century. Zak Crawley was the only early wicket to fall cheaply.
While Bumrah (3/38) made inroads, the rest of India’s bowling attack failed to maintain pressure, allowing England a foothold. With Ollie Pope set and England’s deep batting line-up still to come, Day Three promises more intensity in what is turning out to be a classic Test encounter at Headingley.