Ollie Pope added his title to the checklist of centurions on a dominant Day 1 for England within the four-day Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Coming in on the fall of the primary wicket with England cruising at 231/1, Pope wasted no time asserting himself on the crease.
Ollie Pope joins the run-fest with a commanding century in opposition to Zimbabwe
With the inspiration already laid by Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, Pope performed with outstanding readability and attacking intent from the outset. He obtained to his hundred in simply 109 deliveries, ending the day as England’s third centurion, after Duckett’s brisk 140 and Crawley’s composed 124. His century was introduced up in model with a crisp boundary, a shot symbolic of the fluent strokeplay that outlined his innings. Pope’s partnership with Crawley, price 137 runs, was a continuation of England’s batting dominance, and his efforts helped push the group previous the 400-run mark earlier than stumps. His knock showcased confidence, class, and precision in opposition to a Zimbabwe bowling assault that struggled for management and consistency on a flat deck. Pope capitalized on the shortage of stress, dismantling something unfastened with ease and rotating strike with authority to maintain the scoreboard ticking.
Pope’s fifth hundred on English soil on day 1 of one-off Check
With this century, Pope not solely enhanced his private tally but additionally marked a major milestone in his Check profession. This was his eighth Check century total and notably his fifth at house in England. Taking part in in his 56th Check match and 98th innings, Pope has now accrued over 3,200 runs at a wholesome common above 35. His report on house soil is very spectacular, the place he has crossed the 1,720-run mark at a median exceeding 40, together with eight fifties to associate with his 5 centuries. This consistency in English circumstances has firmly established Pope as an important a part of England’s prime order, notably when batting at quantity three. Away from house, he has added over 1,500 runs with three centuries and 7 fifties, proving he can adapt and ship throughout completely different circumstances. His rising reliability at quantity three continues so as to add depth and solidity to England’s batting lineup, particularly on days when the highest order will get off to a powerful begin.
Additionally READ: ENG vs ZIM: Netizens hail Zak Crawley after his remarkable century on Day 1 of the one-off Test
Historic feat: Pope amongst elite No. 3 centurions for England
Pope’s century was not simply one other landmark, it positioned him in esteemed firm amongst England’s prime No. 3 Check performers. Solely three Englishmen, Wally Hammond, Ken Barrington and David Gower, have scored extra Check centuries at quantity three than Pope. His seven centuries at that place spotlight his outstanding contribution in one of the crucial difficult and very important spots within the batting order.
Moreover, Pope’s eighth total Check hundred got here in opposition to his eighth completely different worldwide opponent, a formidable show of versatility and flexibility in opposition to quite a lot of bowling assaults throughout circumstances. The truth that Pope continues to ship these high-impact innings whereas nonetheless going through the stress of competitors for his spot provides a layer of resilience to his recreation. England’s batting order stays in formidable fingers with Pope anchoring the center order with such assuredness and aptitude.
Right here’s how netizens reacted:
The one England batters with extra Check a whole bunch at No.3 than Ollie Pope are Ken Barrington, David Gower, and Wally Hammond
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) May 22, 2025
Ollie Pope turns into the third England batter as we speak to attain a century. First Ben Duckett. Then Zak Crawley. Now Pope. Prime 3 all getting to a few figures. And also you would not wish to guess in opposition to Joe Root making it 4. However in all probability not as we speak. Most likely… #ENGvZIM
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) May 22, 2025
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope have change into the primary prime three in Check historical past to all make a whole bunch in the identical innings twice
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) May 22, 2025
That is Ollie Pope’s eighth Check hundred – one shy of Trott and Robin Smith’s profession tallies. He is obtained seven tons at three, too.
England are in a fairly good place if he is somebody at risk of dropping his spot.
— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) May 22, 2025
Ollie Pope has eight a whole bunch in opposition to eight completely different opponents. pic.twitter.com/ZOWW8zzC9w
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) May 22, 2025
The one nation Ollie Pope has performed and never scored a 100 in opposition to is Australia.
His highest rating in opposition to them is 42.
— Rivaan Athwal (@rivaanathwal31) May 22, 2025
Ollie Pope will want at the least 100 extra to maintain his place within the facet as soon as Bethell comes again. Benefit for Pope is that he can maintain and be versatile in batting order and does go massive when he will get a 100
— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) May 22, 2025
8️⃣th Check hundred for Ollie Pope 💯#Cricket #olliepope #ENGvZIM #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/Af30AQqSfB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 22, 2025
Ollie Pope 🤝🏻 Trent Bridge. Once more.
He loves batting at Nottingham.Beautiful batter. Sure I’ve all the time bern a fan however how anybody can assume Crawley is healthier is past me. #ENGvZIM
— Charlie 🏴🇪🇺 (@cas_rasen) May 22, 2025
1. Zak Crawley 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
2. Ben Duckett 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
3. Ollie Pope 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣Not a foul day for our prime order 💪 pic.twitter.com/cc08skp4SP
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 22, 2025
Additionally READ: ENG vs ZIM: Fans go wild as Ben Duckett lights up Nottingham with a dazzling century on Day 1 of the one-off Test
