4 weeks ago
8
Third Test, The Kia Oval (day one of five)
England 221-3: Pope 103*, Duckett 86
Sri Lanka: Yet to bat
Stand-in captain Ollie Pope answered his critics with a sparkling century on a truncated first day of England’s third Test against Sri Lanka at The Kia Oval.
Pope looked ill at ease at the crease in stepping up to replace the injured Ben Stokes, managing only 30 runs in the first two Tests, but found comfort on his home ground to crack an unbeaten 103.
The skipper’s ton led the home side to 221-3, a position of strength they had no business being in after losing the toss and being asked to bat in conditions ideal for bowling.
The grey sky refused to brighten, the floodlights were on all day and there was a lengthy delay for bad light and rain, yet Sri Lanka were incapable of taking advantage.
Pope added 95 for the second wicket with Ben Duckett, who played some breath-taking strokes in 86 from just 79 balls. In a third-wicket stand of 51 between Pope and Joe Root, Root contributed just 13.
Though play could have possibly been extended until 19:30 BST, a battle with the light was always likely and the players were again taken from the field at 17:54 one delivery into the 45th over.
England, 2-0 up, are looking for their second series clean sweep in succession and a first 100% home summer in 20 years.
