On the fourth day of the first Test, Ollie Pope's scintillating innings guided England to a total of 420, setting a challenging target for India in their fourth innings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Pope's remarkable knock of 196, featuring 21 boundaries, propelled England's second innings as the Indian bowlers struggled to make a significant impact. Resuming from 316 for 6, England flew past the 400-run mark, only the second time a team has achieved this in India since 2012, with the last instance being Alastair Cook's England in Ahmedabad.
Pope found support from an enterprising Tom Hartley, who contributed 35 runs, and together, they executed well-planned strategies, including sweeps and reverse sweeps, leaving the Indian bowlers befuddled. The duo added 80 runs off 106 balls, frustrating the Indian bowling attack.
Despite the efforts, a shooter from Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed Hartley, breaking the partnership. India managed to take a couple of quick wickets, including that of Pope, bringing an end to England's innings. Jasprit Bumrah, the standout Indian bowler, delivered a slower ball that disheveled the stumps, dismissing Pope as he attempted a reverse scoop.
Earlier in the morning session, Bumrah claimed India's first breakthrough by having Rehan Ahmed caught behind. Ahmed had shown admirable self-restraint but eventually chased a wide delivery, giving a straightforward catch to wicketkeeper KS Bharat.
India now faces the challenging task of chasing 231 runs in their second innings to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Inputs from PTI