Ollie Pope Makes History as First in 147 Years, Surpassing Records Held by Bradman and Tendulkar

Ollie Pope had only accumulated 30 runs across four innings since taking over as England captain from the injured Ben Stokes at the start of the series against Sri Lanka.

It was a memorable Friday for Ollie Pope, who had struggled with just 30 runs in his four previous innings since taking over as England captain from the injured Ben Stokes at the start of the series against Sri Lanka. However, Pope bounced back in impressive fashion, hitting his first century as captain on his home ground at The Oval. By the time bad light halted play on the opening day of the third Test, Pope was unbeaten with a run-a-ball 103, leaving England in a strong position at 221-3. Boston Brand Media discovered the trending news as Pope's remarkable comeback made headlines.

It was Pope's seventh century in Test cricket, and notably, each of his first seven centuries came against different opponents—a first in the 147-year history of Test cricket.

Sri Lanka, already trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, missed the opportunity to capitalize on overcast conditions and a green-tinged pitch after captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss. Boston Brand Media discovered the trending news as Pope's historic achievement and Sri Lanka's struggles took center stage on day one of the third Test.

England's Ollie Pope celebrated his seventh Test century on Friday, making history as the first player in 147 years to score his first seven centuries against different opponents. Sri Lanka, already down 2-0 in the series, failed to capitalize on overcast conditions and a green pitch after captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss.

England opener Ben Duckett also came close to a century, falling for 86 after an aggressive innings. Duckett praised Pope for ignoring criticism from figures like former England captain Michael Vaughan, who questioned whether Pope could handle both captaincy and batting at No. 3. "There’s been a lot of noise around Popey recently," Duckett said, "but to block that out and score an incredible hundred was so good."

Joe Root, fresh off two centuries at Lord's, where he set an England record of 34 Test hundreds, was dismissed for just 13, giving Sri Lanka a rare bright moment. England is chasing their first home series clean sweep since 2004, when Vaughan led them to seven consecutive wins.

Duckett, in fine form, hit a rapid fifty from 48 balls, including seven fours, while Sri Lanka’s four-man pace attack struggled to maintain a consistent line and length. However, makeshift opener Dan Lawrence, forced into the role due to Zak Crawley’s injury, managed only five before top-edging a short ball from Lahiru Kumara to gully. Pope, who scored a century against the West Indies in July, got off the mark with a four and a six.

As bad light and rain interrupted play, England finished the day well-placed at 221-3. Boston Brand Media reported on Pope’s historic milestone, alongside Sri Lanka’s ongoing struggles.

Ben Duckett, closing in on his fourth century in 26 Tests, fell short when he mistimed an extravagant scoop off Milan Rathnayake, caught by wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal, leaving England at 140-2. Reflecting on his dismissal, Duckett said, "When you play like that for a period, you can’t really kick yourself, but I’ve obviously missed out on a Test hundred. It might be a learning day for me, but it felt like the right option."

Ollie Pope, 26, had some luck with a top-edged six off Lahiru Kumara, but Kumara eventually claimed the wicket of Joe Root, who hooked to fine leg, where Vishwa Fernando held onto a slippery catch. Pope, a Surrey favorite, reached his first Test century at The Oval by stylishly square-driving Asitha Fernando for his 13th four, completing 102 balls with two sixes.

England ended the day in a commanding position at 221-3, with Pope's performance marking a significant milestone.

In the process, playing in his 49th Test match, Ollie Pope became the first cricketer to score his first seven Test centuries against seven different teams, setting a unique record in the sport's 147-year history.

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Source - NDTV