Root-Pope powered England’s fightback with a composed 109-run stand after India struck early on Day 1 of the third Test. England chose to bat on a green-tinged pitch, and although the call looked risky, Root and Pope justified the decision with grit and focus.

🧱 Root-Pope partnership anchors England

The Root-Pope duo played over 210 deliveries across one and a half sessions, rebuilding the innings with immense patience. They adapted their approach to survive tough spells. Root reached his 103rd Test score of 50 or more, while Pope approached his milestone as the Tea break neared.

🔥 India’s strong start halted by Root-Pope resistance

India began well, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, who consistently challenged England’s top order. The ball moved both ways, and bounce kept the batters guessing. The false shot rate hit 38.4%, the highest in England for the first 15 overs of a Test since 2006.

However, luck favored England — edges dropped short and no clear chances came early.

🎯Nitish Reddy delivers key blows

Nitish Reddy, on debut, gave India a breakthrough in his first over. He trapped Ben Duckett with a short ball and then dismissed Zak Crawley with an away-seamer. He almost removed a third when Shubman Gill couldn’t hold on at gully. Reddy wrapped the session with 2/35, making an instant mark.

🚑 Rishabh Pant walks off injured

India’s day took a hit when Rishabh Pant injured his finger while collecting a delivery from Bumrah. He left the field immediately, and Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties.

🧊 Root-Pope shift gears in slower Bazball phase

England’s run rate slowed to 2.91, their second-lowest in a home Test since adopting the Bazball approach. During one phase, they didn’t score for over four overs. Still, Root and Pope didn’t panic. Their determination helped England reach 153/2 by Tea.

📝 Brief Score

England 153/2 (Joe Root 54*, Ollie Pope 44*; Nitish Reddy 2/35) vs India

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