Ben Stokes and Joe Root were thrilled when Ollie Pope accomplished this incredible milestone, becoming the first player to do it in 147 years of Test history.
It was evident from the exuberance of veteran players Ben Stokes and Joe Root in the England locker room. For him, the century from Ollie Pope was quite significant. 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 doubters 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 square. 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 win 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.
Pope atoned for his mistakes with a run-a-ball 103 not out, making history as the only batsman in 147 years of Test cricket 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, reaching 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 during 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 will be upset to have only claimed three English wickets. Joe Root was easily dispatched for thirteen, and Dan Lawrence labored once more, managing only 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, such as the Ashes the following year.
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