England star Joe Root has hailed Ollie Pope after the batter's terrific performance against India on Saturday.
The Three Lions have endured a slow start to the Test series in South Asia, having posted just 246 from their first innings.
However, Pope's brilliant performance on Saturday has now given the tourists hope of a sensational win.
The 26-year-old hit an unbeaten 148, with England ending day three on 316-6 from their 77 overs so far.
England star Ollie Pope stepped up for the Three Lions during India Test series on Saturday
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And Root, speaking to TNT Sports, has now gushed over Pope's performance and labelled his batting display as a 'masterclass'.
"It was a brilliant day of cricket for us," stated the former England Test captain.
"The way we played and went about it from the very beginning - we were very clinical with the ball and didn't let them capitalise on what they did yesterday.
"The opening stand with the bat was brilliant. It could have been tricky, but they have been so crucial for us over the past couple of years.
"There were partnerships after that too, when we had to get through that tricky phase when it was reversing - some of us didn't quite manage that.
"But the way Ollie played was an absolute masterclass on how to bat in this part of the world.
"When you're not used to playing out here time and time again, you only get the odd tour here and there, it was truly phenomenal.
"He consistently made the right decisions under pressure, in the big moments in a big game and after everything he's been through with his injuries.
"We are all so chuffed for him to lay a marker down like that early in the series, to get us back into the series."
Root was enthused by England's performance overall, insisting they're in with a chance of winning the first Test.
"It was a nice pitch to bowl on! For a part-timer like me to pick up four wickets, there must be something in it," he continued.
"But for us as a group, it's about how we want to go about things and ask questions.
"Everything that we've done today is very good for us to take forward not just for tomorrow but for the rest of the series.
"It is a long old tour, there will be ups and downs and momentum will swing different ways.
"But it's really important for us to have so many positives this early on.
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Ollie Pope finished day three on 148 not out with England fighting back against India
GETTY
"It shows a lot about our mentality as a group because we never feel out of the game.
"We are on our way to a good position now and we've got to push on tomorrow.
"We're going to keep playing how we play. Ollie recognised certain situations throughout the game, he managed the reverse swing but also was able to manipulate the field and pick it up when he had to as well."
Former India star Deep Dasgupta, meanwhile, thinks his side remain favourites.
He does admit, however, that England have now given themselves a fighting chance of a positive result.
England cricket star Joe Root was delighted after the Three Lions impressed on day three against India
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"That was a great day of Test cricket," he told the BBC. "England won the first and third sessions, India the second. You can't get a better Test day.
"England are back in the game. Rehan looked quite handy. Another 40 or 50 runs and we could have an interesting day four or five.
"India are still favourites but England are back in this Test for sure."
