England star batsman praised Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed all three English wickets, calling him the “best bowler in the world,” effective in any conditions. After an intense second day of the Leeds Test against India, England opener Ben Duckett applauded centurion Ollie Pope for his impressive innings and shared his thoughts on facing India’s pace spearhead Bumrah. With Pant’s century, India’s batting collapse, and England’s strong batting display, the day provided thrilling Test cricket action at Leeds. England dominated much of the play, while Pope continued his excellent form at number three, scoring his ninth Test century and second against India.
Duckett Praises Pope’s Century and Jasprit Bumrah Bowling Masterclass
Speaking about Ollie Pope’s century in the post-match press conference, Ben Duckett said, “Yeah, I just think he was so calm coming out. You know, he probably could not walk out in tougher conditions with Jasprit running down the hill with the lights on. At one point, he was around a run-a-ball 50, so it was great batting with him. I always have a good time out there in the middle with him, and it gave me goosebumps when he reached 100. You could see what it meant to him. He’s such a big part of this dressing room, and it was just great to see him there, 100 not out.”
Jasprit Bumrah: At number three, Pope has scored 2,124 runs in 29 matches and 49 innings at an average of 45.19, including eight centuries and seven fifties. His highest score is 205, with a strike rate above 75.
Duckett also hailed Jasprit Bumrah, who took all three of England’s wickets, as the “best bowler in the world,” effective in any conditions. “He’s good in India on the flattest pitches ever, and when he’s coming in down the hill with the lights on and the ball swinging both ways, it’s tough. I feel like we minimized the damage early on. It could have been a lot worse today, so we’re pretty happy with the position we’re in,” he added.
He explained that his job was not just to defend against Jasprit Bumrah but to put pressure on Jasprit Bumrah. Duckett praised Bumrah’s unique run-up and his skill to bowl multiple deliveries without any visual cue. “You don’t know if he’s bowling a bouncer, a slower ball, an outswinger, or an inswinger until it comes out of his hand. He has such a fast wrist. That’s why you have to watch the ball so closely with him,” he said.
Regarding pacer Josh Tongue, who took four wickets, Duckett called him the “X-Factor” who can quickly clean up the tailenders. “There’s nothing more frustrating than the 9th, 10th, and 11th batsmen chipping in with runs and putting on a partnership,” he added.
As for the match, England ended day two on 209/3, with Ollie Pope unbeaten on 100 and Harry Brook 0*. Ben Duckett’s 62 off 94 balls, including nine fours, and his century partnership with Pope gave England a solid platform after Zak Crawley’s early dismissal. Jasprit Bumrah’s three timely wickets troubled England but lacked adequate support from other bowlers. England trails India by 262 runs.
On day one, England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), captain Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134) propelled India to 471. At one point, England fought back with Ben Stokes (4/66) and Josh Tongue (4/86) triggering a collapse, reducing India to 430/4.
