Day 2 of the Headingley Test between India and England served up more than just cricketing brilliance—it delivered drama, flair, and a touch of controversy. While Ollie Pope emerged as the new fan-favorite at Headingley, India captain Shubman Gill found himself in the spotlight for breaking an unusual ICC rule—all thanks to his socks.
🏏 Ollie Pope: Headingley’s New Hero
England’s Ollie Pope stole the show with a gritty century that helped the hosts recover from a shaky start. The Yorkshire crowd, known for its tough love, embraced the Surrey batter with chants of “Ollie, Ollie Pope,” and even a group of fans dressed in pope costumes added to the festive atmosphere.
🧦 Shubman Gill’s Socks Stir Up a Storm
India’s captain Shubman Gill, who scored a majestic 147 in his debut Test as skipper, drew attention for an unexpected reason—his black socks. According to ICC regulations, players in Test matches must wear white, cream, or light grey socks. Gill’s choice of black violated this rule, which can result in a formal warning or a fine of up to 20% of the match fee.
Gill appeared to have been cautioned, as he returned on Day 2 wearing regulation white socks. The incident sparked a flurry of commentary, with cricket pundits calling the look everything from “natty” to “village.”
🎉 Pant’s Somersault Celebration Goes Viral
Adding to the spectacle, Rishabh Pant celebrated his century with a somersault—his now-signature move that first went viral during the IPL. Even cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised the celebration, calling it “as entertaining as his batting”.
Stay tuned for Day 3 action and more off-field moments.
