after ollie pope

After Ollie Pope: After Ollie Pope smashed an unbeaten 148 to put England into a lead of 126 runs at the end of day three’s play in the first Test, former India captain Anil Kumble said the hosts would be hoping to keep the visitors’ lead to less than 150, otherwise the run-chase would become a tricky proposition.

Pope’s knock of 148 meant England finished day three’s play at 316/6, converting a deficit of 190 runs into a lead of 126 runs. With England still having four wickets in hand, the second new ball will be crucial to India, when it becomes available after the first three overs of day four, in a bid to keep England’s lead below 150.

“Ollie Pope was brilliant. India would be hoping that they will be able to come back tomorrow and restrict England to less than 150. It is going to be a tricky run chase, regardless of what the bowling lineup or the quality because it is the fourth innings of a Test match, where the ball is keeping certainly low and it just takes a couple of important batters to get out early - you don’t want panic to set in.”