Hyderabad, Jan 27: After trailing by 190 runs in the first innings, England fought back valiantly in their second innings. The visitors were 316/6 in 77 overs against India at Stumps on Day 3 of the First Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, here on Saturday.
England's top order batter Ollie Pope scored a superb ton and was unbeaten on 148 in 208 balls, with 17 hits to the fence. His innings helped England to manage a vital 126 runs lead with 4 second innings wickets in hand.
In the final session of play on Day 3, Pope was ably supported in the middle by19-year-old leg spinner Rehan Ahmed. Rehan was not out on 16, when umpires called off play for the third day.
Earlier, English openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett resorted to their new found and much talked about 'Bazball' approach in the second innings. They scored 45 runs in just 9.1 overs for the opening wicket.
But once seasoned Ravichandran Ashwin removed Crawley (31) and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in quick succession getting Duckett (47) and Joe Root (2), the visitors were on a bit of back-foot for a few overs.
Dependable Johny Bairstow (10 in 24 balls) was clean bowled by Ravindra Jadeja, reducing England to 140/4 in 27.3 overs.
However, consistent Pope hit a superb century. He built partnerships with late middle-order batters to ensure that England was out of danger and put a challenging target before the hosts.
Veteran Ashwin ended Ben Stokes's plan to replicate his first innings heroics, as he bowled him for 6 runs. The English skipper played 33 balls and played a patient innings, before season sent him back.
Pope was then joined by English keeper Ben Foakes, who batted sensibly and preferred to play every ball on merit. Before he was dismissed by Axar Patel, he contributed a vital 34 in 81 balls.
Brief Scores at Stumps Day 3:
England 246 & 316/6;
India 436.
England lead by 126 runs with 4 second innings wickets in hand.
