How Did Ollie Pope's Century Inspire Ben Duckett?
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Synopsis
Ben Duckett shares his admiration for Ollie Pope's stunning century in the first Test against India, emphasizing the pressure he faced. Discover how Pope's remarkable performance left a lasting impression and set the tone for the series. Join us as we explore the highlights of this thrilling matchup.
Key Takeaways
- Ollie Pope's century showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
- Duckett's praise highlights the importance of teamwork.
- Pope's record against India has been a topic of discussion prior to the series.
- Jasprit Bumrah proved to be a formidable opponent for the England batsmen.
- This match sets a thrilling tone for the series ahead.
Leeds, June 22 (NationPress) England's opening batsman Ben Duckett praised Ollie Pope for his remarkable unbeaten century during the second day of the first Test against India at Headingley, expressing that he felt goosebumps as he watched the pressure-laden Pope reach his ton.
Pope entered the series facing scrutiny regarding his position at No 3, especially after a disappointing record against India and Australia, despite a score of 171 against Zimbabwe. Speculation was rife about whether Jacob Bethell should take his place, particularly with the Ashes on the horizon this winter.
Celebrating his ninth Test century, Pope scored 100 runs off 125 balls, including 13 fours, after an inside edge off a Jasprit Bumrah delivery towards the leg side, as England trailed India by 262 runs, ending Day Two at 209/3 in 49 overs of the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
"I had goosebumps for him. You lose a wicket and he steps in, alleviating pressure and scoring quickly. He is a true legend and an integral part of our team. We recognize the external noise, so to score 171 followed by 100 is extraordinary. When he gets in, he converts those starts into centuries, especially at No 3 against India; it’s a straightforward decision. Popey has a knack for scoring runs, including away matches when we clinched victories—he’s a match-winner. This is a fantastic start to the series for him,” Duckett shared with Sky Sports.
Duckett, who also scored 62 runs before falling to a Bumrah delivery that hit his stumps, commended the Indian pacer, who concluded the day with impressive figures of 3-48.
"He is the best bowler globally. Facing him is incredibly challenging. He excels in all conditions; whether in India on flat pitches or here at Headingley with the lights on and the ball swinging. We managed to minimize the damage early on.
"It could have been far worse today... He is simply a world-class bowler, and you can't allow him to bowl freely; he’s too good for that. It’s essential to apply pressure and capitalize on any loose deliveries," Duckett remarked.
Point of View
Our commitment is to provide unbiased reporting on the thrilling encounters in sports. The remarkable performances by players like Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett reflect the spirit of competition and the unpredictability of cricket. We stand by the integrity of the game and the passion of the players involved.
NationPress
22/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ben Duckett say about Ollie Pope's performance?
Ben Duckett expressed that he felt goosebumps watching Ollie Pope score his century under pressure, highlighting Pope's critical role in the team's success.
How did Ollie Pope perform in the first Test against India?
Ollie Pope scored an unbeaten century, reaching 100 runs off 125 balls, helping England in a challenging match against India.
What challenges did Ollie Pope face before the Test series?
Ollie Pope faced scrutiny regarding his position in the team due to his past performances against India and Australia, causing speculation about his place in the lineup.
What did Duckett think of Jasprit Bumrah's bowling?
Duckett praised Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler in the world, acknowledging the challenge of facing him in any conditions.
How did England perform at the end of Day Two?
At stumps on Day Two, England scored 209 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, trailing India by 262 runs.
