The India vs England Highlights from Day 2 of the 1st Test at Headingley delivered an absorbing and high-octane day of cricket, perfectly encapsulating the unpredictable nature of Test match play. This particular day, June 21, 2025, showcased a dramatic shift in momentum, stellar individual performances, and moments that left both fans and commentators on the edge of their seats. Despite India concluding their first innings with a formidable total of 471, largely thanks to two magnificent centuries and one record-breaking ton, it was England’s resilient and attacking response, coupled with the sheer menace and artistry of Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling, that truly dominated the narrative and captured the collective imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The day began with India positioned strongly, looking to build on their commanding Day 1 performance. Shubman Gill, who had batted beautifully, extended his score to a magnificent 147, showcasing his elegant stroke play and composure. Partnering him was Rishabh Pant, who, with his characteristic aggressive flair, not only smashed a brilliant 134 but also achieved a significant milestone: his seventh Test hundred, a record-breaking feat. Furthermore, Pant surpassed MS Dhoni’s record for the most runs by an Indian wicketkeeper in away Tests in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, underscoring his growing stature in Test cricket.
However, after looking set for a monumental total well beyond 500, India experienced a sudden and dramatic batting collapse. A staggering 7 wickets fell for just 41 runs, including an alarming phase where 6 wickets tumbled for only 24 runs around the lunch break. This swift implosion saw India bowled out for 471. While still a commanding first-innings total, the manner of the collapse undoubtedly left the Indian dressing room with a sense of missed opportunity, placing immense pressure on their bowlers. India vs England Highlights
England’s Audacious Response and Ollie Pope’s Gritty Century
England’s reply was immediate and audacious, perfectly reflecting their ‘Bazball’ philosophy of aggressive, positive cricket. They raced to 209/3 by the close of play, exhibiting a clear intent to counter-attack and narrow India’s lead swiftly. At the heart of their innings was Ollie Pope, who played a truly magnificent and fighting unbeaten century of 100 runs. Pope’s knock was a display of grit and determination, navigating a challenging period and capitalizing on every scoring opportunity. India vs England Highlights
His century, however, was not without its share of nerve-wracking moments and fortunate escapes. Pope had to endure a fiery opening spell from Jasprit Bumrah, narrowly escaping an LBW decision that would have sent him back to the pavilion very early in his innings. He also benefited from two dropped catches by Indian fielders, providing him with crucial lifelines. Additionally, several edges tantalizingly flew into vacant areas, highlighting the fine margins that often dictate a batsman’s fortunes in Test cricket. Despite these close calls, Pope’s composure and ability to seize the moments of luck saw him reach a crucial and well-deserved milestone for England. India vs England Highlights
Joining Pope in their attacking endeavor was Ben Duckett, who contributed a brisk 62. Their partnership provided England with a strong platform, setting the stage for their aggressive scoring. However, this promising partnership was eventually broken by the ever-dangerous Jasprit Bumrah, who continued to be India’s primary wicket-taking threat. India vs England Highlights
Jasprit Bumrah’s Masterful Performance and Late-Day Drama
Jasprit Bumrah was, without question, the undisputed star of the day for India with the ball, single-handedly upholding his team’s bowling fortunes amidst a collective struggle from the other pacers. He accounted for all three English wickets to fall on Day 2, showcasing his incredible skill, precision, and relentless aggression. He began his demolition act by dismissing England opener Zak Crawley in the very first over of England’s innings, a crucial early breakthrough that immediately set a menacing tone for India’s bowling attack. He then brilliantly dismantled Ben Duckett’s stumps with a classic bowled dismissal, followed by expertly nicking off the formidable Joe Root for 28. Each wicket was a testament to Bumrah’s world-class ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, irrespective of the pitch conditions or the batsman facing him.
The drama escalated significantly in the final over of the day when Jasprit Bumrah seemingly claimed the prized wicket of Harry Brook. The entire Indian team erupted in a fervent celebration, believing they had secured a vital breakthrough right before stumps. However, their jubilant cries were swiftly silenced as the umpire’s arm went up, signaling a no-ball. This heartbreaking moment for India, and particularly for Bumrah himself, denied him a deserving fourth wicket and instantly became a viral talking point on social media, sparking a flurry of hilarious and sympathetic memes. The incident, combined with Bumrah’s earlier near-misses and the two dropped catches off his bowling, underscored the relentless pressure he exerted throughout the day, even when luck wasn’t on his side. India vs England Highlights
While Bumrah shone brightly, the other Indian bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur, toiled hard but struggled to consistently replicate Bumrah’s impact. Siraj was at times erratic with his line and length, and Prasidh’s struggles to find rhythm continued, as both Pope and Duckett found ways to score relatively freely off them. Ravindra Jadeja, the lone spinner, provided some control and bowled economically, but he couldn’t break partnerships with the consistency needed. The Indian captain, Shubman Gill, who had a strong day with the bat, now faces a significant tactical challenge on Day 3 to find ways to support Bumrah, generate more wicket-taking opportunities, and ensure tighter fielding to prevent costly errors. India vs England Highlights
As the sun set on Day 2 at Headingley, with England at 209/3, the host nation appeared to be the happier side. They had successfully absorbed India’s massive first-innings total and laid a strong foundation for their response, setting up a tantalizing contest. The Headingley Test, now finely poised, promises a gripping Day 3, with India desperately needing a more collective bowling effort and sharper fielding to capitalize on Jasprit Bumrah‘s individual brilliance and get firmly back into the contest. The stage is set for an enthralling battle as both teams vie for control in what has already proven to be a high-octane and memorable encounter. India vs England Highlights
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