Ollie Pope added his identify to the checklist of centurions on a dominant Day 1 for England within the four-day Check 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 muse already laid by Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, Pope performed with exceptional readability and attacking intent from the outset. He received 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 staff 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 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 in addition marked a major milestone in his Check profession. This was his eighth Check century general and notably his fifth at dwelling in England. Enjoying 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 dwelling soil is particularly spectacular, the place he has crossed the 1,720-run mark at a mean exceeding 40, together with eight fifties to go together with his 5 centuries. This consistency in English circumstances has firmly established Pope as a significant a part of England’s high order, notably when batting at quantity three. Away from dwelling, 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 exceptional century on Day 1 of the one-off Check
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 high 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 exceptional contribution in probably the most difficult and important spots within the batting order.
Moreover, Pope’s eighth general Check hundred got here in opposition to his eighth completely different worldwide opponent, a formidable 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 recreation. England’s batting order stays in formidable arms 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 lot at No.3 than Ollie Pope are Ken Barrington, David Gower, and Wally Hammond
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) Might 22, 2025
Ollie Pope turns into the third England batter at the moment 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 at the moment. In all probability… #ENGvZIM
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) Might 22, 2025
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope have turn into the primary high three in Check historical past to all make a whole lot in the identical innings twice
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) Might 22, 2025
That is Ollie Pope’s eighth Check hundred – one shy of Trott and Robin Smith’s profession tallies. He is received seven tons at three, too.
England are in a reasonably good place if he is somebody at risk of dropping his spot.
— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) Might 22, 2025
Ollie Pope has eight a whole lot in opposition to eight completely different opponents. pic.twitter.com/ZOWW8zzC9w
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) Might 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) Might 22, 2025
Ollie Pope will want not less than 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 large when he will get a 100
— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) Might 22, 2025
8️⃣th Check hundred for Ollie Pope 💯#Cricket #olliepope #ENGvZIM #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/Af30AQqSfB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) Might 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) Might 22, 2025
1. Zak Crawley 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
2. Ben Duckett 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
3. Ollie Pope 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣Not a nasty day for our high order 💪 pic.twitter.com/cc08skp4SP
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) Might 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 Check