The second day of the first Test between England and India at Headingley concluded with England reaching 209-3, still trailing India by 262 runs. While India had posted a formidable first-innings total of 471, having been dismissed after starting the day at 359/3 and losing their remaining seven wickets for only 112 runs, their performance on the field was largely disappointing, marked by missed opportunities and lacklustre bowling, with the notable exception of Jasprit Bumrah.

India's fielding was particularly found wanting, as the team dropped three crucial catches that proved costly lifelines for England. In the fifth over, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to hold onto a chance, and two overs later, Ravindra Jadeja, despite his reputation as one of India's best fielders, dropped another catch off the same batter at backward point. Most significantly, Bumrah was denied a third victim when Jaiswal dropped Ollie Pope at third slip, an expensive mistake as Pope went on to score a century. This fielding lapse did not go unnoticed, with England’s fan community, the Barmy Army, publicly ridiculing Jadeja on social media, questioning his fielding prowess.

England, after early setbacks, mounted a strong recovery. They began the final session at 107/1, with Ben Duckett on 53 and Ollie Pope on 48. Pope swiftly completed his half-century in 64 balls, featuring eight boundaries. The pair forged a vital 122-run partnership, continuously pressuring the Indian bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah eventually broke through, dismissing Duckett for 62 with a stunning delivery that dislodged the middle stump. Pope, however, remained resilient at the crease, receiving solid support from Joe Root, who narrowly survived a leg-before review by Mohammed Siraj.

Bumrah continued to be India’s sole beacon of hope with the ball, going on to dismiss Root for the tenth time in Tests, as the veteran edged one to Karun Nair after making 28 off 58 balls. Despite Root’s departure, Pope maintained his charge, bringing up his ninth Test century and his second against India in just 125 deliveries, adorned with 13 boundaries. At stumps on Day 2, England was firmly picking up speed, with Pope unbeaten on 100, and Harry Brook yet to get off the mark. The day concluded with England in a much stronger position than anticipated, leaving India under considerable pressure despite their significant first-innings lead.