ENG vs IND: Ollie Pope asserts dominance in No. 3 position with impressive century against Gill’s team.

Ollie Pope’s spectacular century against Jasprit Bumrah & Co. solidified his role as England’s top choice for the No. 3 position as the team heads into the third day of the first Test in Leeds at 209/3.

England managed to limit India to 471 in their first innings, with Bumrah claiming three wickets, but Pope spearheaded an impressive counterattack as the match remains finely poised after six sessions of intense play.

The Indian fast bowler dismissed Zak Crawley in the opening over, prompting Pope into action, who had to outshine Jacob Bethell to earn his place in the lineup. Bethell had delivered standout performances against New Zealand last winter, yet Ben Stokes opted to back Pope, who also serves as his deputy in the squad.
“I just think he was so calm,” remarked England opener Ben Duckett, who added 122 runs alongside Pope for the second wicket. “He couldn’t have walked out into tougher circumstances.

“I had goosebumps when he reached his hundred. He is an integral part of the dressing room. I take my hat off to him. I can’t wait to give him a hug.

“It seems quite evident to me, coming into this test match, if someone scores 170 in the previous match, they’re going to be selected. The way Popey has handled everything showcases why he is England’s number three.”

Many had questioned Pope’s consistency, given he averaged under 16 against Australia and scored less than 25 runs against India prior to this latest century. However, he had scored 171 against Zimbabwe in the previous match, leading the selectors to opt for him despite Bethell’s eye-catching performances across formats recently.