How Did Duckett-Pope's Century Stand Propel England Against India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Duckett and Pope form a crucial partnership.
- England's current score is 107/1.
- India's total stands at 471 runs.
- Bumrah's performance set the tone early.
- England's run rate is 4.46.
Leeds, June 21 (NationPress) Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope successfully neutralized the threat posed by Jasprit Bumrah, forming an unbroken 103-run partnership off 139 deliveries. This effort lifted England to a score of 107/1 in just 24 overs, trailing India by 364 runs during the tea break on Day Two of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Headingley on Saturday.
Following India's collapse, where they lost their last seven wickets for merely 41 runs, they were bowled out for 471 in 113 overs, with Josh Tongue claiming 4-86. Bumrah struck early, dismissing Crawley with a stunning delivery. However, Duckett, who remained not out on 53, and Pope, who was unbeaten on 48, displayed remarkable composure, ensuring England maintained a run rate of 4.46. The duo capitalized on India's less threatening bowling once Bumrah was rested.
In the opening over, as ominous clouds gathered, Bumrah was on target from the outset, claiming Crawley’s wicket with a delivery that moved away at the last moment, leading to a brilliant catch at first slip. Subsequently, England began to establish their innings, with Pope and Duckett hitting two fours each off Mohammed Siraj, relieving the pressure created by Bumrah.
Despite Bumrah's electrifying initial spell, he could have dismissed Duckett for 15 if Ravindra Jadeja hadn’t dropped a catch at backward point. With Prasidh Krishna's ineffective bowling, Duckett and Pope found no resistance.
After 17 overs, left-arm spinner Jadeja was introduced and displayed good turn and bounce in his second over. Duckett swept Jadeja for four, marking his 14th Test fifty and the milestone of their century partnership, while Pope began to validate his selection over Jacob Bethell.
Earlier, shortly after the post-lunch session commenced, Tongue lured Bumrah into a drive, resulting in an edge caught at second slip. He then cramped Jadeja for room, leading to the left-handed batter chopping onto his stumps, and subsequently bowled Krishna to wrap up India's innings in just 23 minutes of the second session.
Brief scores:
India 471 in 113 overs (Shubman Gill 147, Rishabh Pant 134; Ben Stokes 4-66, Josh Tongue 4-86) lead England 107/1 in 24 overs (Ben Duckett 53 not out, Ollie Pope 48 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 1-23) by 364 runs