LONDON — Ollie Pope delivered a masterclass in resilience and skill, repaying England’s faith with a career-defining century in the second Test against India at Lord’s, writes Stephan Shemilt.
A Redemption Arc Complete
Pope’s 148-run knock, his highest score in a home Test, was a testament to his mental fortitude and technical refinement. After a lean patch that saw him average just 22 in his previous 10 innings, the Surrey batter silenced critics with a performance that "blended patience with controlled aggression," as described by former England captain Michael Atherton.
The innings was pivotal in England’s fightback after India posted a formidable first-innings total of 416. Pope’s partnerships—particularly a 112-run stand with Jonny Bairstow—shifted momentum back to the hosts. His ability to counter India’s spinners, especially Ravindra Jadeja, stood out. "He played the ball late, used his feet brilliantly, and never let them settle," noted Nasser Hussain on commentary.
The Turning Points
Pope’s innings was studded with key moments that underscored his growth:
- Surviving a fiery spell from Jasprit Bumrah, where he was struck on the helmet but refused to retreat.
- Navigating a tricky phase against Mohammed Shami’s reverse swing, showcasing improved judgment outside off-stump.
- Accelerating after tea on Day 3, dismantling Jadeja with a flurry of sweeps and drives.
The Pope-Bairstow Symphony
The partnership with Bairstow was a highlight, blending contrasting styles seamlessly. While Bairstow attacked relentlessly, Pope anchored the innings, rotating strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. "It was like watching a perfectly choreographed dance," remarked BBC Test Match Special’s Jonathan Agnew.
Leadership’s Unwavering Belief
England’s captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum had publicly backed Pope despite his struggles. McCullum’s words ahead of the Test—"We know what Ollie’s capable of. Class is permanent, and he’s too good not to come good"—proved prophetic. Stokes, too, emphasized Pope’s role as the backbone of England’s middle order.
The faith was reciprocated. Pope’s celebration—raising his bat to the dressing room—spoke volumes. "This was for them," he later told Sky Sports. "They never stopped believing in me, even when I doubted myself."
A Homecoming at Lord’s
Pope’s century was his first at Lord’s, a ground where he once honed his skills as a schoolboy. The significance wasn’t lost on him. "Walking through the Long Room after reaching three figures—that’s the stuff of dreams," he said, visibly emotional.
The innings also drew praise from Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who acknowledged Pope’s adaptability. "He played the conditions brilliantly. On Day 2, the pitch had variable bounce, but he adjusted better than any of us," Sharma admitted.
What’s Next for Pope?
With this knock, Pope has cemented his place in England’s lineup ahead of the Ashes. Former coach Trevor Bayliss believes "this could be the making of him as a Test batsman." The challenge now is consistency—converting starts into big scores, especially overseas.
For now, though, Pope can bask in the glory of a redemption innings. As the Lord’s crowd rose to applaud him, the message was clear: "Play on, pontiff. England’s faith was well placed."