Ben Duckett lauds England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope for defying his critics after scoring seventh Test century of his career in third Test against Sri Lanka
Ben Duckett lauded England’s stand-in captain Ollie Pope for countering criticism of his recent poor form with a defiant seventh Test hundred of his career.
The second-wicket pair shared a 95-run partnership either side of a lengthy delay for bad light on day one at the Kia Oval and although Duckett succumbed for 86, Pope, leading his country on his home turf, finished unbeaten on 103.
The 26-year-old’s Test batting average had plunged to 34 on the back of a tally of just 40 runs in his past five innings, but he overcame Sri Lanka winning the toss and challenging overhead conditions to help England to 221 for three.
‘Everyone’s so happy for anyone’s success in this dressing room. It’s an incredible place to be,’ said Duckett.
‘It shouldn’t be the case, but there has been quite a lot of noise in the last few weeks. I know what it’s like at the top of the order, and he’s had a far better summer than I have.
Ben Duckett lauded Ollie Pope after his defiant century for England against Sri Lanka
Pope, leading the side on his home turf, finished unbeaten on 103 on day one of the third Test
‘To kind of block that out and go and score an incredible hundred was so good. You could see that in his emotions as well, so we’re all extremely happy for him.’
Pope, deputising for hamstring injury victim Ben Stokes against the Sri Lankans, can lead England to a first Test summer clean sweep since 2004 over the coming days.
