Pakistan hockey team advanced to the FIH Nations Cup final after defeating France, but captain Ammad Butt’s controversial social media post referencing Rafale jets sparked online debate, overshadowing the victory. Meanwhile, India’s hockey team faced another setback, losing to Belgium in the FIH Pro League, extending their losing streak and jeopardising their World Cup qualification hopes.
Day 2 of the IND vs ENG Test at Headingley was filled with drama, highlighted by Jasprit Bumrah’s menacing bowling. Despite Ollie Pope’s resilient century, Bumrah’s three wickets and near-misses dominated the game and social media. India’s earlier batting collapse, losing 7 wickets for 41 runs, also fueled online humor.
At Headingley, England capitalized on India’s batting collapse and fielding errors to dominate Day 2. Despite a strong start by India, England’s bowlers triggered a collapse, limiting India’s score. Jasprit Bumrah bowled with intensity, but dropped catches and lack of support from the other end allowed England to build a strong reply, leaving the hosts in a more advantageous position.
Rishabh Pant’s explosive century and Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell initially put India in a commanding position at Headingley. However, Ollie Pope’s resilient, unbeaten hundred, coupled with crucial partnerships, allowed England to weather the storm and reach 209 for 3 in response to India’s 471. Despite a late breakthrough by Bumrah, England’s grit, led by Pope, kept them in the game.
Ollie Pope’s resilient century kept England afloat on Day Two of the Headingley Test, responding to India’s imposing 471. Jasprit Bumrah’s three wickets rattled the English top order, but Pope’s unbeaten 100* alongside Harry Brook’s solid support, steered England to 209 for 3.
Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless effort yielded three crucial wickets for India against England, who ended Day 2 at 209/3 in response to India’s 471. Despite Bumrah’s breakthroughs and missed opportunities, Ollie Pope’s century steadied England.
On Day 2 of the Headingley Test, Mohammed Siraj’s spirited bowling went unrewarded. England fought back, led by Josh Tongue’s 4 for 86, causing an Indian collapse from 430/3 to 471 all out. Rishabh Pant’s spectacular 146-ball century, featuring signature somersaults, and Shubman Gill’s classy 147 were highlights before Tongue dismantled the tail post-lunch, swiftly ending India’s innings.
Sachin Tendulkar praised Rishabh Pant’s innovative paddle sweep, calling it a calculated move, not an accident. He also noted Shubman Gill and Pant’s on-field communication tactics to disrupt the bowler. Their 209-run partnership followed Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century, putting England’s bowlers under pressure. Gill scored 147, while Pant reached his century with a six before India’s innings concluded at 471.
Sanjay Manjrekar lauded Rishabh Pant as India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter after his stunning century against England. Pant’s remarkable innings broke records, surpassing MS Dhoni with the most Test centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper. His fifth Test century in SENA countries also set a new benchmark for Asian batters, solidifying his reputation in challenging overseas conditions.
