Pope proves his worth as England number three
LEEDS, England - Number three the only position really up for debate as England headed into a crucial run of tests under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, but Ollie Pope's century against India justified the faith shown in him.
After England had dragged themselves back into the first test against India at Headingley, the hosts needed to maintain the momentum in their reply to India's first-innings 471.
The world's highest-ranked test bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, removed Zak Crawley in the first over to bring Pope to the crease.
Selected at number three ahead of the burgeoning talent of Jacob Bethell, who averaged 52 on his first test tour of New Zealand, Pope settled after early scares to compile his ninth test century.
The unbeaten hundred helped England close day two on 209-3, having looked on course, with India 430-3 before lunch, to get the series off to a losing start.
"I just think he was so calm," said England opener Ben Duckett, who added 122 with Pope for the second wicket. "He couldn't walk out in tougher conditions.
"I had goosebumps when he got his 100. He is such a big part of the dressing room. I take my hat off to him. I can't wait to give him a hug.
"It seems pretty clear to me, coming into this test match, if someone scores 170 in the match before, they are going to play. The way Popey has dealt with it all shows why he is England's number three."
The doubts surrounding Pope revolve around inconsistency. He averages less than 16 against Australia, and below 25 when facing India prior to his Headingley exploits.
After following his 171 against Zimbabwe with another century when his country needed him most, England's selectors will be feeling comfortable in their decision to select Pope ahead of the precocious Bethell. REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Bellingham's goal a surreal experience for new Dortmund signing
Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group F - Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund - TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. - June 21, 2025 Borussia Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY CINCINNATI, OH - Jobe Bellingham said his first goal for Borussia Dortmund was a surreal experience as the new signing from Sunderland made an immediate impact at the Club World Cup on Saturday. Bellingham scored the third goal in Dortmund's 4-3 win over South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns at the TQL Stadium and was named man-of-the-match at the end of the Group F encounter. 'It's a little bit surreal really when the ball hits in the net, it's just crazy,' the 19-year-old said. 'Everything happened so slowly but yeah I'm really pleased.' It was a second run out, but first start, for Bellingham since his move from Sunderland to the Bundesliga giants, where he will look to follow in his elder brother Jude's footsteps. Jobe's goal was smartly taken although the Sundowns goalkeeper palmed the ball straight at him. But Bellingham avoided an attempted block by a defender, and sent the keeper the wrong way, by cleverly holding his shot for a split second. Bellingham said it had been a hard assignment in the midday sun in Ohio, where the temperature was 32 degrees Celsius (90°F). 'I think the conditions make it so difficult, especially for us being a European team. They (Sundowns) played a fantastic game but I'm sure they're used to this kind of weather, but we definitely aren't. 'But it's something we are going to have to adapt to as the tournament goes on.' Bellingham said he was happy to be playing so soon after signing a five-year deal for what reports said was a 33 million euros ($37.70 million) deal. 'The lads have really helped me settle in and it's been a different experience because rather than signing and then having a summer off, I've got an opportunity to meet everyone and get to grips with how we play and how the coach wants us to play as a team.' Coach Niko Kovac said he was delighted with the form of Bellingham. 'He is among those who are the future of this club,' the Dortmund boss said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
Oviedo back in LaLiga after 24 years
Real Oviedo sealed their return to LaLiga after 24 years with a 3–2 aggregate victory over Mirandes in Saturday's promotion play-off. Oviedo triumphed 3-1 at home, overturning a first-leg deficit with goals from Santi Cazorla, Ilyas Chaira and Francisco Portillo. A packed Estadio Carlos Tartiere erupted as fans stormed the pitch at the final whistle. The club from the Principality of Asturias, in the northwest of Spain, will now join Levante and Elche in next season's top tier, replacing relegated Leganes, Las Palmas and Valladolid. "There's no way to describe what this means to us. These players are heroes, every single one of them. They deserve great recognition," Oviedo coach Veljko Paunovic told LaLiga TV. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Straits Times
Lamothe hat-trick as Bordeaux Begles reach Top 14 final
Bordeaux Begles booked their place in this season's Top 14 final after a hat-trick of tries from hooker Maxime Lamothe helped seal a 39-24 win over Toulon on Saturday, setting up a showdown with champions Toulouse. The decider in Paris next Saturday is a repeat of last year's one-sided final in which Toulouse romped to a 59-3 victory. Toulouse are seeking a third successive Top 14 title, and record-extending 24th championship overall, while Bordeaux, winners of the European Champions Cup this season, are bidding for their first. After Bordeaux and Toulon traded early penalties, the former took the lead when a driving maul was brought to a halt. They worked the ball through the phases before centre Nicolas Depoortere spotted a gap in the defence and dotted down. Bordeaux extended their advantage with a second score as Lamothe burst through several tackles and powered his way over the tryline. Toulon hit back just before the break to make the halftime score 15-10 when centre Leicester Fainga'Anuku profited from a line-break by flyhalf Paolo Garbisi to run in a simple try. When Lamothe bagged his second try early in the second period, however, diving in under the posts after being fed by Yoram Moefana, the momentum swung Bordeaux's way again. Toulon's cause was not helped by a yellow card shown to lock Matthias Halagahu for a delivered knock-down, and when winger Damian Penaud and Lamothe added two more scores in quick succession the game was over as a contest. Winger Setariki Tuicuvu and prop Beka Gigashvili managed a consolation tries for Toulon, but it was too little too late for the four-times champions. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
