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Day 2 of the first Test between England and India at Headingley unfolded with a dramatic twist, as Jasprit Bumrah’s unfortunate no-ball denied India a crucial wicket and handed debutant Harry Brook an unexpected reprieve. As stumps were drawn under overcast skies, England stood at 209 for 3, trailing India’s formidable first-innings total of 471 by 262 runs, leaving the contest delicately poised heading into the pivotal third day.
India’s commanding first-innings score was primarily forged by three magnificent centuries. Young sensation Shubman Gill led the charge with a scintillating 147, ably supported by the explosive Rishabh Pant, who bludgeoned 134, and the stylish Yashasvi Jaiswal, who notched up a fluent 101. The trio capitalized on what appeared to be a placid surface, propelling India to a seemingly unassailable position. At one point, the visitors seemed set for an even grander total, cruising at 430 for 3. However, a spirited fightback from England’s bowlers, spearheaded by captain Ben Stokes (4/66) and the impressive Josh Tongue (4/86), triggered a dramatic collapse, accounting for the last seven Indian wickets for a mere 41 runs, a turn of events that offered England a glimmer of hope.
Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless fast bowling spell and fielding errors
With a 40-minute rain delay preceding England’s reply and the skies remaining persistently grey, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier pace exponent, ignited the Indian charge. He struck early, breaching the defence of Zak Crawley with a sharp delivery that found its way to slip. Despite maintaining probing lines and relentless pressure, Bumrah and India were undone by fielding lapses. Ben Duckett, the attacking opener, was the beneficiary, surviving two early dropped catches before settling in to score a fluent 62, punishing India for their generosity.
Dejected Jasprit Bumrah – Two catches dropped on his bowling. pic.twitter.com/kTMfL9F4v9
— Nadeem (@cricupdatesonX) June 21, 2025
Ollie Pope, promoted to the crucial number three position, showcased immense resilience. He weathered a fiery opening spell from the Indian quicks, notably Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, before flourishing as the conditions eased and the sun occasionally peeked through. Pope played a determined and watchful innings, anchoring England’s reply with an unbeaten century, standing at 100 not out at the close of play. His partnership with Duckett was particularly vital, as the pair added a crucial 122 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing England’s innings after Crawley’s early dismissal.
Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah storms past Wasim Akram’s legendary record in ENG vs IND Test opener at Headingley
The pivotal no-ball drama in the final over
As the day neared its conclusion, Bumrah returned for a final, intense spell, aiming to make further inroads. His efforts paid dividends almost immediately as he brilliantly dismissed the talismanic Joe Root, who edged a delivery to first slip, bringing India back into the ascendancy. With momentum firmly swinging India’s way, Bumrah appeared to have struck again in the very last over of the day. Harry Brook, making his Test debut, attempted an ambitious pull shot off a short delivery, only to miscue it. Mohammed Siraj at short mid-wicket completed a stunning diving catch, sending the Indian team into rapturous celebration.
However, the jubilation was abruptly cut short. The third umpire, after a meticulous review, signaled a no-ball – Bumrah had overstepped the crease. This marked his third such infringement in the same over, a moment that proved to be agonizingly pivotal. Not only did it deny Bumrah a well-deserved fourth wicket, but it also handed Brook an unexpected lifeline, allowing him to walk back to the pavilion at stumps, albeit with a sense of relief. Bumrah’s visible frustration mirrored the collective disappointment of the Indian side, as dropped catches earlier in the day combined with this critical overstepping incident to prove costly.
Harry Brook is fortunate to be at the crease as Bumrah bowled that no ball in the final over. Getting rid of Root was huge. Bumrah was exceptional among pacers from both teams. What a champion bowler. Match evenly poised. #ENGvsIND #JaspritBumrah pic.twitter.com/Df4OHNKy6A
— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) June 21, 2025
Despite the late twist, India remain in a commanding position, primarily owing to their imposing first-innings total and the sustained threat posed by Bumrah. England, on the other hand, will be buoyed by Pope’s resolute century and the good fortune afforded to Brook. They will undoubtedly look to capitalize on this reprieve and significantly reduce the deficit on day three. With both teams displaying flashes of brilliance and resilience, the first Test at Headingley is shaping up to be an enthralling encounter.
Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah vs Joe Root: Test stats after Day 2 at Headingley
