Ollie Pope single-handedly led England’s charge in the ongoing first Test against India in Hyderabad. Despite England conceding a first-innings lead of 190, Pope’s marathon knock allowed England to set a 231-run target for India in the ongoing first Test. The England vice-captain made the most of India’s mistakes on the field to put a strong rearguard with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes (34), followed by Tom Hartley (34). From 163/5, Pope’s gritty knock has allowed England to cross the 400-run mark on Day 4.
KL Rahul had a golden chance to get rid of Pope while he was batting on 186.
Pope slapped Mohammed Siraj’s delivery to first slip but Rahul to take the opportunity as he dropped a sitter.
Rahul’s failed attempt drew a hapless reaction from India captain Rohit Sharma, who had his hands on his head before cheering Rahul for the effort.
#KLRahul drops #OlliePope at 186, what’s going on?#INDvsENG #INDvENG #CricketTwitter #cricketfans #cricketlovers pic.twitter.com/38PwPBTFye
— Banarasi Hudga (@banarasihudga) January 28, 2024
Pope was dismissed 10 runs later by Jasprit Bumrah as he missed out on his second double century.
Pope’s incandescent innings helped England set up a tough fourth innings chase for India before getting bowled out for 420 at the stroke of lunch on Day 4.
Fittingly, Bumrah, the best of Indian bowlers, ended his stay with a slower ball that dishevelled the stumps as Pope tried a reverse scoop.
Earlier, Bumrah also fetched India’s first breakthrough in the morning session, when he had Rehan Ahmed caught behind.
Ahmed, who till then showed admirable self-restraint, chased a wide one from Bumrah to give a regulation catch to KS Bharat behind the stumps.
However, Ahmed had helped Pope to make 64 runs for the seventh wicket that extended England’s lead.
England’s effort was vastly different from India’s outing on Saturday morning when they lost three wickets for just 15 runs in 54 minutes.
In the corresponding time, the Englishmen added 72 runs in 16 overs, losing one wicket.
(With PTI Inputs)
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