England found themselves at 209 for three in response to India's 471 on the second day of the first Test at Headingley. Ollie Pope's unbeaten 100 provided a glimmer of hope for the hosts after a strong display by the Indian bowlers.

Pope's performance was crucial, especially after the decision to bowl first by Ben Stokes was heavily debated. Despite questions surrounding his position at No 3, Pope's century proved his worth, particularly against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

India's bowlers, led by Bumrah, put up a tough fight, with the fast bowler claiming three wickets for 48 runs. However, Pope's resilience, along with valuable contributions from Ben Duckett and Joe Root, helped England stabilize their innings.

England's total was also boosted by Pope's ability to find boundaries consistently. His partnership with Duckett and Root played a significant role in England's fightback against India's strong bowling attack.

Despite a collapse in India's batting lineup, with Josh Tongue taking four wickets, Rishabh Pant's entertaining century kept the visitors in a strong position. Pant's aggressive innings included 12 fours and six sixes, showcasing his ability to attack the English bowlers.

However, England's bowlers, particularly Tongue, managed to break through India's resistance, with Pant falling victim to a clever change in bowling tactics. The match saw several key moments, including missed opportunities and dramatic dismissals, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

As the match progressed, England's fortunes improved, thanks to Pope's brilliant century and the team's overall fighting spirit. The contest between England and India remains finely poised, setting the stage for an exciting finish in the days to come.