Ollie Pope added his title to the listing of centurions on a dominant Day 1 for England within the four-day Take a look at in opposition to 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 exceptional 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 type 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 workforce 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 dearth of stress, dismantling something free 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 Take a look at
With this century, Pope not solely enhanced his private tally but additionally marked a big milestone in his Take a look at profession. This was his eighth Take a look at century total and notably his fifth at residence in England. Taking part in in his 56th Take a look at match and 98th innings, Pope has now collected over 3,200 runs at a wholesome common above 35. His file on residence soil is particularly spectacular, the place he has crossed the 1,720-run mark at a median exceeding 40, together with eight fifties to go together with his 5 centuries. This consistency in English circumstances has firmly established Pope as an important a part of England’s prime order, significantly when batting at quantity three. Away from residence, he has added over 1,500 runs with three centuries and 7 fifties, proving he can adapt and ship throughout totally 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 exceptional century on Day 1 of the one-off Take a look at
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 Take a look at performers. Solely three Englishmen, Wally Hammond, Ken Barrington and David Gower, have scored extra Take a look at centuries at quantity three than Pope. His seven centuries at that place spotlight his exceptional contribution in one of the difficult and important spots within the batting order.
Moreover, Pope’s eighth total Take a look at hundred got here in opposition to his eighth totally different worldwide opponent, a powerful show of versatility and adaptableness in opposition to quite a lot of bowling assaults throughout circumstances. The truth that Pope continues to ship these high-impact innings whereas nonetheless dealing with the stress of competitors for his spot provides a layer of resilience to his sport. England’s batting order stays in formidable palms with Pope anchoring the center order with such assuredness and aptitude.
Right here’s how netizens reacted:
The one England batters with extra Take a look at lots of at No.3 than Ollie Pope are Ken Barrington, David Gower, and Wally Hammond
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) Could 22, 2025
Ollie Pope turns into the third England batter immediately 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 most likely not immediately. In all probability… #ENGvZIM
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) Could 22, 2025
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope have develop into the primary prime three in Take a look at historical past to all make lots of in the identical innings twice
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) Could 22, 2025
That is Ollie Pope’s eighth Take a look at 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 shedding his spot.
— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) Could 22, 2025
Ollie Pope has eight lots of in opposition to eight totally different opponents. pic.twitter.com/ZOWW8zzC9w
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) Could 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) Could 22, 2025
Ollie Pope will want a minimum of 100 extra to maintain his place within the facet as soon as Bethell comes again. Benefit for Pope is that he can preserve and be versatile in batting order and does go massive when he will get a 100
— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) Could 22, 2025
8️⃣th Take a look at hundred for Ollie Pope 💯#Cricket #olliepope #ENGvZIM #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/Af30AQqSfB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) Could 22, 2025
Ollie Pope 🤝🏻 Trent Bridge. Once more.
He loves batting at Nottingham.Pretty batter. Sure I’ve at all times bern a fan however how anybody can suppose Crawley is best is past me. #ENGvZIM
— Charlie 🏴🇪🇺 (@cas_rasen) Could 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) Could 22, 2025
Additionally READ: ENG vs ZIM: Followers go wild as Ben Duckett lights up Nottingham with a stunning century on Day 1 of the one-off Take a look at
