Ollie Pope showcased an outstanding innings, concluding at an impressive 196, as England declared their second innings at 420 for a target of 231 runs against India on day four of the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. England, initially in a precarious position at 163/5, witnessed Pope's brilliance as the vice-captain played one of the most remarkable innings by an English batter in Test matches in India.
Employing the sweep effectively, Pope aggressively dismantled the Indian spinners, amassing 21 boundaries during his resilient 278-ball stay at the crease. He forged pivotal partnerships of 112, 64, and 80 with Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Hartley, respectively. Pope's innings rejuvenated England's spirits, adding 104 runs in the morning session on day four and providing hope for an improbable victory.
Pope reached his 150 with a single off Jasprit Bumrah in the second over of the first session, partnering with Rehan Ahmed to extend the lead. Despite the availability of the new ball, India stuck with the old one, resulting in Bumrah dismissing Rehan Ahmed. Pope and Hartley continued to dominate the spinners, even after the new ball was taken in the 89th over.
India struggled to contain the run-flow as boundaries flowed, and despite a dropped catch by KL Rahul at slip, Pope and Hartley built a substantial partnership. Ashwin eventually broke the stand by dismissing Hartley, while Jadeja and Bumrah took crucial wickets. Pope, attempting a reverse-scoop, fell victim to Bumrah's slower ball.
With a target of 231, India now has five sessions to chase down the total. The challenge lies ahead, considering only five successful fourth-innings chases have occurred, the most recent being against New Zealand in 2012. Despite an inexperienced bowling lineup, England draws inspiration from their impressive second innings, led by Pope's historic knock.
Brief Scores: England 246 and 420 in 102.1 overs (Ollie Pope 196; Ben Duckett 47; Jasprit Bumrah 4-41, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-126) lead India 436 in 121 overs by 230 runs.
(With Agency Inputs)
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