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Ollie Pope delivered a remarkable performance on the opening day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Kennington Oval, scoring a stunning century that has set the tone for England’s innings. Stepping in as captain for the injured Ben Stokes, Pope’s unbeaten 103 runs off just 103 balls not only silenced his critics but also marked a significant milestone in his career.
A historic century for Ollie Pope
Pope’s ton was historic for several reasons. He became the first player in Test history to score his first seven centuries against seven different opponents, showcasing his versatility and ability to perform across various matchups. His innings included 13 fours and two sixes, demonstrating his aggressive batting style and command over the Sri Lankan bowlers.
135* vs South Africa
145 vs New Zealand
108 vs Pakistan
205 vs Ireland
196 vs India
121 vs West Indies
103* vs Sri LankaOllie Pope: First player in Test history to score his first seven centuries against seven different teams#ENGvSL #Tests #OlliePope #cricket pic.twitter.com/aeQsPsqDvd
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 7, 2024
The 103 runs also made Pope the second-fastest England captain to reach a century in Test cricket, achieving the milestone in just 102 balls. This feat placed him just behind Graham Gooch, who scored a century in 95 balls against India in 1990.
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England finishes Day 1 on a high
Despite facing challenging conditions, including overcast skies and interruptions due to rain and poor light, England finished the day at a solid 221 for 3. Pope’s partnership with Ben Duckett, who contributed a brisk 86 runs, was crucial in building a strong foundation for the innings. The duo added 95 runs for the second wicket, effectively countering the early loss of opener Dan Lawrence, who was dismissed for just 5 runs.
The match saw significant delays, with play halted for nearly three hours due to weather conditions. However, Pope and Duckett capitalized on the opportunities they had, putting Sri Lanka’s bowlers under pressure. Lahiru Kumara was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking 2 wickets for 81 runs, including the dismissals of Lawrence and Joe Root.
As the second day approaches, England will look to build on their strong start, with Pope and Harry Brook, who was 8 not out at the close of play, at the crease. With the series currently in England’s favour at 2-0, the team aims for a clean sweep, a feat they haven’t achieved in two decades.
