NEW DELHI: England‘s stand-in captain Ollie Pope marked a significant milestone in Test cricket history on Friday. Playing his 49th Test match, Pope became the first cricketer to score his first seven Test centuries against different teams.
Pope’s milestone century led England on the opening day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs off 103 balls.This performance not only boosted England’s score to 221/3 but also cemented his name in the history books.
Ollie Pope’s return to form was notable, especially considering his recent struggles. Before this match, he had only accumulated 30 runs in four innings since stepping in as captain for the injured Ben Stokes at the beginning of the series.Pope’s innings on Friday marked his first century as England captain. It was his 12th first-class hundred and his seventh in Test cricket. This feat is particularly impressive given the diversity of opponents he has faced.
Ollie Pope’s seven centuries against seven opponents:
Pope’s milestone century led England on the opening day of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs off 103 balls.This performance not only boosted England’s score to 221/3 but also cemented his name in the history books.
Ollie Pope’s return to form was notable, especially considering his recent struggles. Before this match, he had only accumulated 30 runs in four innings since stepping in as captain for the injured Ben Stokes at the beginning of the series.Pope’s innings on Friday marked his first century as England captain. It was his 12th first-class hundred and his seventh in Test cricket. This feat is particularly impressive given the diversity of opponents he has faced.
Ollie Pope’s seven centuries against seven opponents:
- Pope’s journey to these seven centuries began in January 2020 against South Africa, where he scored an unbeaten 135 while batting at No.6. This was the only century Pope made outside the No.3 position.
- He waited two years for his next century, which came against New Zealand in Nottingham in January 2022, where he scored 145. This marked his first hundred while batting at No.3.
- In December 2022, Pope scored his third Test century, a quick-fire 108 off 104 balls against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
- The fourth century came in June 2023, a majestic 205 off 208 balls against Ireland at Lord’s, marking his first Test double hundred.
- In January 2024, Pope played one of the best innings by a visiting batter on Indian soil, scoring 196 runs against India in Hyderabad.
- Pope’s sixth Test century was in July 2024, when he scored 121 runs against the West Indies in Nottingham.
- With Friday’s unbeaten 103 against Sri Lanka at The Oval, Pope completed his seven centuries against seven different Test-playing nations in six different venues. This achievement is a first in cricket history.
Australia, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan are the only Test-playing nations against whom Pope has not yet scored a century. With the exception of Australia, he has not faced these teams in his career to date.
Ollie Pope’s ability to notch centuries against such a diverse set of opponents reflects his adaptability and skill, securing his place as a noteworthy figure in the annals of Test cricket.