Leeds, June 21 (UNI) England went to Tea on Day 2 at 107 for 1 in 24 overs, with Ben Duckett (53*) and Ollie Pope (48*) steering a strong reply after an early blow from Jasprit Bumrah. Trailing India by 364 runs, the hosts showed resilience on a surface that remained friendly for batting despite morning clouds and post-lunch drizzle.

India, resuming with purpose, built on a dominant fourth-wicket stand between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Pant lit up the innings with a stroke-filled 134, his seventh Test century, equaling MS Dhoni's tally for most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. Gill contributed, and their partnership was worth 200 runs off 287 balls, helping India post an imposing 471 all out in 113 overs. Extras contributed a generous 27 runs.

However, England’s response was not without early nerves. Bumrah struck in his first over, dismissing Zak Crawley with a classic outswinger that found the edge, safely pouched by Karun Nair at slip. But thereafter, both Duckett and Pope played with positive intent and controlled aggression.

The pair survived two big chances off Bumrah — Pope edging through the vacant fourth slip early in his innings, and Duckett dropped by Ravindra Jadeja at backward point on 15. Capitalising on their reprieves, they built a 103-run unbeaten stand, keeping India’s attack at bay under floodlights and against a Dukes ball.

Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna proved less threatening, going for over 4 and 6 an over respectively, as the English duo milked the gaps and rotated strike with ease. Despite a brief rain interruption after lunch, conditions continued to favour the batsmen.

As the final session of Day 2 begins, England trail by 364 runs, but with two well-set batsmen at the crease and a docile pitch, they look to continue their fightback deep into the evening.

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