The exultation from the England team’s locker room, especially from veteran players Joe Root and Ben Stokes, told it all. To him, Ollie Pope’s century meant a great deal. For England, it had great significance. After a run of poor performances, there were questions about his future and calls to reevaluate his status as Stokes replacement. However, the elegant right-hander took it all in stride and silenced his critics with a record-breaking century in the third Test match against Sri Lanka at The Oval.
Pope’s century ended with a stunning drive around the Piazza. Pope clenched his hands and cried out in delight as soon as the ball crossed the in-field, while Root, Stokes, and his teammates were jumping up and down in celebration in the dressing room.
Pope, standing in for the injured Ben Stokes as captain, has already guided England to a series triumph over Sri Lanka with victories at Lord’s and Old Trafford, but he came to the Oval with doubts about his own form following knocks of 6, 6, 1 and 17.
With a run-a-ball 103 not out, Pope atoned for his earlier mishap and became the first hitter in 147 years of Test history to score a century against a different opponent.
Pope has accomplished the remarkable accomplishment of scoring hundreds against South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, India, the West Indies, and now Sri Lanka.
England dominate Day 1 against Sri Lanka
Despite weather delays, England controlled Day 1 of the test match against Sri Lanka, scoring 221-3 at stumps. Ben Duckett came close to hitting a century with his aggressive innings of 86, but Ollie Pope looked like he was back to his best with an undefeated knock. England, who has already defeated the West Indies 3-0, is hoping to win all of their home test series this summer.
Despite a few audacious smashes throughout his thrilling innings, Duckett was eventually unable to get his fourth test century. Harry Brook (8 not out) and Pope have combined for 13 fours and 2 sixes thus far.
Due to poor light and rain, the day was interrupted for three hours, and Sri Lanka would be upset to have only claimed three English wickets. Joe Root was easily dispatched for thirteen, while Dan Lawrence labored once again, managing just five.
Josh Hull, a 20-year-old left-arm seamer who was making his debut for England, was quickly promoted into the team despite having little first-class experience. Coach Brendon McCullum said that adding Hull to the squad was a “hunch” and a “punt” with an eye toward upcoming series, including as the Ashes the following year.
Read More: Ben Duckettās quick fifty has England in control before bad light halts play
