Categories: 1st In 147 Years: England's Ollie Pope Sets Historic Record. Not Even Don Bradman Or Sachin Tendulkar Achieved It

1st In 147 Years: England’s Ollie Pope Sets Historic Record. Not Even Don Bradman Or Sachin Tendulkar Achieved It

1st In 147 Years: England's Ollie Pope Sets Historic Record. Not Even Don Bradman Or Sachin Tendulkar Achieved It

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1st In 147 Years: England’s Ollie Pope Sets Historic Record. Not Even Don Bradman Or Sachin Tendulkar Achieved It

Ollie Pope had a special day in the third Test between England and Sri Lanka at the Oval, where he scored a run-a-ball century, marking his return to form after a string of low scores. This was Pope’s first century as captain of England, a significant achievement considering the pressures of leadership and batting at No. 3. His knock of 103 not out was crucial as England ended the first day at 221-3.

This century was Pope’s seventh in Test cricket, each against different opponents, making him the first player in the 147-year history of Test cricket to achieve such a feat. England dominated despite Sri Lanka winning the toss and opting to bowl in favorable conditions.

While opener Ben Duckett made a fluent 86, his dismissal after an extravagant shot left him short of a hundred, a moment he later reflected on as a missed opportunity.

Pope’s innings also silenced critics, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, who had questioned whether he could balance captaincy with his role as a top-order batsman. Duckett praised Pope’s ability to ignore the outside noise and deliver an “incredible hundred.”

Sri Lanka’s only real bright spot was the dismissal of Joe Root for 13, shortly before tea. Despite the conditions and a green pitch, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain discipline in their bowling, allowing England to take control of the game.