IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 3: Ollie Pope Stands Firm As England Take A 126-Run Lead At Stumps

India vs England 1st Test in Hyderabad, Day 3: As it happened..

Ollie Pope stayed unbeaten on 148 at the end of Day 3 ( Image Source :Getty Images )

IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 3: English batter Ollie Pope produced one of the most hard-fought and iconic centuries for any English batter on Indian soil as his unbeaten 148 has led England in a position to give a possible possible fightback to India in the first Test match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. 

A day of bravery and courage 💪

From trailing by 175, we lead by 126 🏏

Match Centre: https://t.co/s4XwqqpNlL

🇮🇳 #INDvENG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/ScfFE7lww3

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 27, 2024

 

India started off the Day 3 on a bad note as both the set batters, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja were bulded out in quick succession as the left-handed all-round duo managed to chip in merely 15 runs as England bundled the Indian team out for 435.

Coming in to bat, the English openers had a hefty task at their disposal to see England off an innings defeat and they did so in some style as openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett  gave England a flying start as England showed intent in their batting and followed their 'Bazball' approach in some style.

The Three Lions dealt with their first blow when Zak Crawley departed for 31 but the rhythm was intact and the platform was perfectly laid for the English batters to lay down a thumping statement as they were in for fiesty battle. Crucial knocks from openers and vital 34 from Ben Foakes have not jus managed to help England take lead, but also if England manages to add 100+ more runs, they might end up up having a really good shot of winning this match and registering one of the greatest Test victories in recent memory.

 

Ollie Pope: The New Ian Bell

Ollie Pope has been a sensation for England and his constant performances and vital knock of unbeaten 148 in this match have now even led comparisons with former England great Ian Bell who followed a smiliar playstyle at the same position and that type pf praise and comparison speaks volumes about the quality of the upcoming English talent.