Ollie Pope's resilience keeps England afloat against India at close of Day 2

In reply to India's 471, Pope's 100 not out, his ninth Test century and third in successive home Tests, offered the hosts a measure of stability after early wickets threatened to derail their innings.

India began the day strongly at 359 for 3 but suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 41 runs.

Rishabh Pant's thrilling century was the standout in a faltering lower order, as Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue each claimed four wickets to pull England back into contention.

In response, England faced the full force of Jasprit Bumrah, whose electrifying second and third spells yielded all three wickets - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Joe Root.

Bumrah was menacing throughout, extracting movement and creating multiple chances, including a no-ball that spared Harry Brook late in the day.

Despite his brilliance, India's slip fielding faltered, with Ollie Pope dropped twice - once on 10 (between third slip and gully off Bumrah) and again on 60 by Yashasvi Jaiswal at third slip.

Pope, chosen at number three ahead of rising star Jacob Bethell, capitalised fully, reaching his century with a fortuitous inside edge for a single.

The innings has already been hailed as his best on home soil, showcasing his fluency behind square on the off side.

Though India retain a clear advantage, Bumrah's fiery spells and England's slip-ups in the field have left the contest finely poised heading into Day 3. 

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