(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In a spectacular display of resilience and skill on Day 3 of the Hyderabad Test between India and England, Ollie Pope emerged as the hero with a remarkable innings that left even his teammates in awe. Despite a lackluster performance in the first innings, Pope’s second-innings brilliance showcased his hunger for runs and ability to thrive under challenging conditions.
Coming to bat in the 10th over, Pope’s unbeaten knock of 148 runs, adorned with 17 fours, played a pivotal role in steering England to a second-innings lead of 126 runs with the team standing at six wickets down by the end of the day’s play. His masterclass was particularly commendable given the tougher batting conditions.
Joe Root, the veteran England batsman, expressed his admiration for Pope’s performance in the post-day press meet. Root described it as one of the best knocks he has witnessed in his extensive cricket career, acknowledging Pope’s remarkable ability to manipulate the field against a formidable Indian attack on a challenging surface.
“I’m speechless. It’s one of the best knocks that I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a lot of cricket. Played and batted out there in the middle with a lot of brilliant players and to witness that today was really special,” said Root in the press conference.
Root, who himself is no stranger to cricketing battles, praised Pope’s concentration, determination, fitness, and skill, highlighting the significance of his innings as an overseas player unfamiliar with such conditions.
“I didn’t mind when he big-dogged me and said ‘can you do the press (conference)’ because to manipulate the field as he did against that attack, on that surface, to show the powers of concentration, determination, fitness and skill…immense,” Root added.
Additionally, Root emphasized the immense responsibility Pope took on after returning from a serious shoulder injury.
“Honestly, it’s an absolute masterclass on how to bat in these conditions. As an overseas player, someone who’s not exposed to these surfaces, and to come back off a serious injury like he had in summer and have that amount of time out of the game and then put together that… outstanding.”
The former England skipper acknowledged Pope’s leadership qualities, stating that he has become one of the leaders in the dressing room. He expressed delight in witnessing the younger players, like Pope, making their mark on the team and shaping their identities.
“He grasped the moment, took responsibility and then backed it up in his actions. That’s what you want from leaders within the dressing room. He’s certainly become one of those over the last year or so.”
Root humbly admitted that Pope’s performance has set a new benchmark, surpassing his own achievements, and instills confidence in the rest of the team. He marveled at Pope’s ability to deliver such a special innings on a challenging surface against a formidable bowling attack, making it a memorable moment in the cricketing landscape.
“It’s just great to see, as an old-timer in this team. It’s great to see these young lads coming in and really putting their stamp on things and making it their team. I’m not any more. I think that’s the benchmark. Honestly, I might have scored a few runs in the subcontinent. But not on a surface like that against an attack like that. Honestly, that was really special today and it gives a lot of confidence to the rest of the group as well,” Root concluded.