Left Arm Around

A masterful Ollie Pope century on his return to the side gives England a lead of 126 runs at the end of day 3 in Hyderabad.

Pope’s unbeaten knock of 148- his 5th Test century and first against India- ensured the hosts have to bat again and may face a testing chase on a wearing pitch.

England’s vice-captain built a spirited partnership of 112 with wicket-keeper Ben Foakes, before Foakes’ dismissal to Axar Patel, while Rehan Ahmed batted calmly to remain 16 not out at the close.

The tourists began their second innings well as the dynamic Zak Crawley-Ben Duckett duo went on the offensive, but Ashwin removed the former for the second time in the match courtesy of a Rohit Sharma slip catch.

Duckett was then joined by the impressive Pope as they added 68 in only 57 balls, however India were not keen to cower and allow themselves to be ‘bazballed’.

First dismissing the dangerous Duckett for 47 with a stunning in-swinger that sent his off-stump cartwheeling, Jasprit Bumrah then sent Joe Root packing for 2 in his next over as England stuttered and lost two wickets for four runs.

Jonny Bairstow soon followed when he carelessly left a Jadeja delivery that cannoned into off-stump, meanwhile first innings hero Stokes could do little to counter a Ravi Ashwin ball that turned sharply and crashed into his off-stump.

Ashwin, 37, has now dismissed Stokes 12 times in his Test career, more than any other bowler.

Teetering at 163-5 and still trailing by 27, it was ultimately the combination of Surrey teammates Foakes and Pope that dug them out of serious trouble and salvaged the day.

Earlier, England were superb with the ball as India lost their final 3 wickets for no runs, ending their first innings 436 all out- a lead of 190.

Joe Root was the pick of the bowlers with 4-79 from 29 overs- including two in two as he pinned Jadeja LBW for 87 and bowled Bumrah for a golden duck.

For England to push, let alone pull-off a near miracle victory, they will need every inch of Pope’s grit, skill audaciousness long into day 4.

A few quick wickets and India will be firmly back in charge…