Ollie Pope stressed his desire to put on "runs after runs" against India after his stunning century in England's first Test at Headingley.

Pope's unbeaten century led England's fightback on day two, but he could only add six runs to his total 24 hours later after being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna (3-128). 

England finished the day 96 runs behind India after being bowled out for 465 in their first innings, with Harry Brook's 99 from 112 deliveries leading the charge. 

India managed to extend their lead heading into day four and ended 90-2, with Ben Stokes grabbing the wicket of Sai Sudharsan (30) before play concluded early. 

Pope hit 196 at Hyderabad at the start of the reverse series 18 months ago but tailed off badly, failing to reach 40 in the final four Tests.

He came into the series as a man under pressure after he was selected over Jacob Bethell, but believes he's justified his selection with his latest display and is keen to kick on. 

"I've tried not to let it affect me too much," Pope said shortly after rain saw the conclusion of day three come to a close. 

"I've just been trying to make sure my game's in as good a place as possible and when I get in, try to make sure I make the most of it.

"I've tried to let the outside noise do its thing and make sure my game keeps improving, and that I get my headspace in as good a place as possible too.

"I want to keep putting on runs after runs. To get a good score early is pleasing so I am enjoying it and we want to crack on tomorrow."

Pressure makes diamonds

And we have the biggest jewel in Ollie Pope pic.twitter.com/9lMrJnFGQn

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 21, 2025

Pope also took the time to praise England's lower-order, with contributions from Chris Woakes (38) and Brydon Carse (22), helping reduce the deficit to just six runs. 

Woakes and Carse added 55 for the eighth wicket in just over seven overs, with the former reaching 2,000 Test runs after hitting Prasidh Krishna for consecutive sixes. 

"[A deficit of] 40 or 50, just from a mindset, might have given them a little bit more confidence, knowing that they've got that head-start, but playing the game from an even playing field felt quite important," Pope said.

"We got those two wickets; they played nicely. KL Rahul batted really well. It's important for us to get some early breakthroughs.

"It obviously would've been nice to get maybe one or two more wickets this evening, but I think the pitch is still playing really well.

"It's such a quick-scoring ground, with the lightning [fast] outfield. It's obviously an important session tomorrow morning, and the game is poised in a pretty nice position."

For India, meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah continued to shine as he ended the day with his 14th five-wicket haul in just his 46th Test for India. 

With figures of 5-83, it took him to 150 Test wickets against SENA countries, becoming the first Asian bowler to achieve that milestone, while also equalling Kapil Dev (12) for the most five-wicket hauls among Indian bowlers in away Tests. 

150 - With his 5/83 today, @Jaspritbumrah93 now has 150 Test wickets in SENA countries, becoming the first Asian bowler to achieve the milestone. Best.#ENGvIND #TendulkarAndersonTrophy pic.twitter.com/4PYdAJG1D7

— OptaJeev (@OptaJeev) June 22, 2025

Bumrah suffered a back injury during the final match of India's 3-1 defeat in Australia over the winter and spent three months on the sidelines, missing their victorious Champions Trophy campaign.  

But the Indian fast bowler is feeling better than ever, saying: "It is feeling good. It is a little bit colder here than India. I am feeling fresh and good so hopefully good things will follow."

He also feels that despite the loss of two early wickets in their second innings, that India have what it takes to take a series lead.

"The game is in the balance. We have to bat well. The wicket is a little bit paced so it will be an interesting game to come.

"We are heading towards a transition with our bowlers, some are playing here for the first time.

"Sometimes new bowlers take time to adjust but we share the experience and people will slowly learn. At this moment our aim is to put on as many runs as we can."