- Ollie Pope hit a century at Headingley as England fought back against India
- The 27-year-old secured his ninth Test hundred on the second day of first Test
Test Match Breakfast takes a look at some of the biggest issues around cricket during England’s huge first Test against India at Headingley. England fought back with an Ollie Pope century, ending day two at 209-3, after India dominated day one.
Ahead of day three, DAVID COVERDALE discusses Headingley’s new hero, Rishabh Pant’s stunning celebrations and why India captain Shubman Gill’s attire sparked plenty of conversation
Headingley’s new hero
After being given the backing of Ben Stokes and England, Ollie Pope has also now won over the hard-to-please folk of Yorkshire.
It was notable that the Surrey star was serenaded by fans at Headingley on Saturday as he neared his century, even if his song of ‘Ollie, Ollie Pope’ lacked creativity.
There was even the sighting of a group of blokes dressed in pope costumes in the Western Terrace. It appears Headingley has a new hero.
Crowd-pleaser Rishabh Pant celebrates in style… again
Rishabh Pant produced perhaps the most elaborate century celebration in Test match history when he performed a somersault in the middle.
‘Rishabh’s celebration is as entertaining as his batting!’ wrote India icon Sachin Tendulkar on X.
However, it is not the first time crowd-pleaser Pant has celebrated in such style.
The India wicketkeeper also marked his 54-ball hundred for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL last month with a front flip, a moment which went viral.
It appears Pant’s party trick is here to stay – and cricket is all the better for it.
Shubman Gill breaks the rules… with his socks
Shubman Gill’s black socks provoked plenty of conversation on the first day of the Test. ‘Very natty,’ commented Mail Sport columnist David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, while Mark Butcher called them ‘village’.
It now turns out, however, that the India captain actually broke ICC rules by wearing them.
The global governing body’s clothing regulations state that players are only permitted to wear white, cream or light grey socks in Test matches. Sanctions for breaching the rules include a formal warning or a deduction of up to 20 per cent of the player’s match fee.
Someone clearly had a word in Gill’s ear on Friday night, as he resumed his innings on Saturday wearing white socks.
Karun Nair’s unhappy return
A penny for the thoughts of Karun Nair.
The India batsman – who hit an unbeaten 303 against England in 2016 – has had to wait seven years for another Test chance.
Yet having watched three of his team-mates hit centuries in India’s first innings, when Nair got his long-awaited opportunity at the crease, he was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck.
Mark Wood on commentary duty
Mark Wood is a man in demand here at Headingley.
The injured England bowler will not be available to play against India until the final Test at best.
However, Wood has been making the most of his time away from the middle by trying his hand at commentary.
The 35-year-old was part of the BBC Test Match Special team on Friday. Then on Saturday, he switched from radio commentary to TV, calling an international match on Sky Sports for the first time.
The charismatic Wood, who also hosts his own podcast, has long been one of the most media-friendly players in the England dressing room.
And the Durham paceman is sure to have plenty of offers of work when he hangs up his bowling boots in the not-too-distant future.
Harry Brook left in a heap
Getting roughed up by the India bowlers is one thing. Taking a blow from your own team-mate is another.
Harry Brook was minding his own business when Ben Duckett fielded Pant’s edge off Shoaib Bashir.
But when Duckett picked the ball up and rifled it towards the stumps, Brook was in the direct path of the throw and was struck flush on his back, leaving him in a heap.
England players initially looked concerned, while India’s stars winced up on the Headingley balcony.
Fortunately, Brook was soon back on his feet and laughing about the incident, even if he did rush off the field for treatment.
Ben Stokes eats rabbit pie
For Josh Tongue, it was the feast after the famine. Having toiled away without success on Friday, the England quick picked up four quick wickets to mop up India’s tail on Saturday.
When Tongue clean bowled No11 Prasidh Krishna to end India’s first innings, his captain Ben Stokes mimicked an eating motion, leaving commentators confused.
It was left to Broad on Sky Sports to explain that Stokes’ gesture meant ‘eating rabbit pie’, i.e. knocking over the lower order.
Dickie Bird’s golden anniversary
Yorkshire legend Dickie Bird was given a huge ovation by the Headingley crowd when he was shown on the big screen during the second day’s play.
The iconic umpire’s appearance here was not significant in itself – he always takes his seat in the pavilion during an England Test match.
It was, though, a special day for Bird as July 21 marked the 50th anniversary of the first-ever Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s, which he umpired
