ENG vs WI: Day 1: Ollie Pope capitalizes on WI's errors to score 6th Test Century

Ollie Pope reached his sixth Test century on Day 1 of the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. Despite not being a fluent knock, it held immense significance for England, especially as Pope had to step in during the very first over following Zak Crawley’s dismissal for a duck.

Pope initially played second fiddle to Ben Duckett during their century partnership for the second wicket. While Duckett sped ahead to score the fastest fifty by an England opener in Test cricket, Pope patiently bided his time. The pair put together a 105-run stand off just 112 balls, with Pope contributing 31 runs off 53 deliveries. There was never any doubt about Pope’s form heading into the Nottingham Test, especially after his brisk 57 in the first Test’s only innings for England.

At Nottingham, Pope adopted a more cautious approach. Between deliveries 31 to 60, he registered a false shot percentage of 33.3%, focusing on absorbing the pressure while scoring just 10 runs, all the while watching Duckett dominate from the other end. This disciplined approach showcased Pope’s adaptability and resilience, crucial for England’s innings.

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In-depth Analysis of Ollie Pope’s Ton on Day 1

🏏 Ollie Pope capitalizes on WI's errors to score 6th Test Century#cricket #ENGvsWI #OlliePope#Analytics @ECB_cricket pic.twitter.com/e2zdgZJFAh

— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) July 19, 2024

Ollie Pope’s innings was marked by some luck as he was dropped twice around the lunch break. On the penultimate ball of the first session, Alick Athanaze missed a sharp chance to dismiss Pope for 46. Then, five overs into the second session, Jason Holder failed to grasp a straightforward catch at second slip, giving Pope another life at 54.

With West Indies’ bowlers being inconsistent throughout the day, Pope’s task became easier. After the second reprieve, he capitalized on the loose bowling, scoring 65 off 76 balls with a false shot percentage dropping to just 6.5%. This phase of his innings was characterized by a mix of controlled aggression and careful shot selection.

Pope had walked in with England struggling at 0/1 within the first three balls of the innings. By the time he was dismissed in the final session, he had steered England to a strong position at 281/5, laying a solid foundation for the team. Alzarri Joseph eventually claimed Pope’s wicket with a good length delivery, targeting an area where Pope had shown vulnerability throughout his knock.

The Surrey batter, Ollie Pope, had a lazy waft at a delivery similar to the ones that had produced the earlier chances. This time, he edged it to the wicketkeeper, Joshua Da Silva, who made no mistake. Pope’s tendency to score big in the first innings was evident once again, as five of his six Test centuries have come in the first innings, each against different opponents.

The only exception to this pattern was his remarkable 196, which came in the second innings during England’s win in Hyderabad earlier this year. This innings added to his reputation as a crucial first-innings performer for England, showcasing his ability to lay a strong foundation when it matters the most.

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