Team India batter KL Rahul gave a life to Ollie Pope by dropping a simple catch at slip during Day 4 of the second Test against England at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, January 28.
The incident took place in the 95th over of England second innings batter when Ollie Pope attempted to cut cross-seam delivery from Mohammed Siraj that bounced a little. The ball edged the England batter and went low towards KL Rahul, who was fielding at second slip. Rahul managed to grab the ball with both hands but failed to get hold out of it.
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj was clearly disappointed as he missed a big wicket of Pope, while skipper Rohit Sharma was in complete disbelief as KL Rahul dropped a catch, which could've been easily taken.
This was not the first incident where Ollie Pope's catch was dropped by an Indian fielder in the ongoing Test match. Axar Patel dropped England batter's catch on 110 on Day 3. This proved costly for the hosts as Pope went on to score unbeaten 148 at the close of play.
Pope continued to his brilliant innings on Day 4 and 80-run partnership with Tom Hartley to take Australia past 400-run mark. However, Ollie Pope missed out on maiden Test century in India as he was dismissed out for 196 by Jasprit Bumrah at 420 all-out.
India to chase 231-run target to take series lead
After being bundled out for 420, England set a target of 231 for India to chase in their second innings. Earlier, in the first innings, the hosts were bowled for 436 on Day 2, Ravindra Jadeja being the top-scorer with 87.
India were off to a good start as skipper Rohit Sharma took the charge of the hosts run-chase. He was looking to form a good partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal but the latter was dismissed for 15 at 42/2. Then, India quickly lost another in Shubman Gill for a duck. Both were removed by England spinner Tom Hartley.
Thereafter, Rohit Sharma was joined by KL Rahul in the middle. Team India skipper looked in good touch and was hoping to covert his good start into big scores. However, Tom Hartley struck his third wicket in Rohit for 39 at 63/3.
After Rohit Sharma's dismissal, KL Rahul and Axar Patel carried on India's run-chase. Rahul accelerated India's innings a bit by hitting three overs off spinner Rehan Ahmed in the 27th over.
At the end of second session, India posted a total of 95/3 in 29 overs, with KL Rahul and Axar Patel batting on 21 and 17, respectively.
