ENG vs SL | Ben Duckett’s explosive knock and Ollie Pope’s ton propel England into commanding position

Debayan Sinha

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

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England led by Ben Duckett's half-century and Ollie Pope's brilliant century, reached 221/3 against Sri Lanka at The Oval despite interruptions due to bad light. Lahiru Kumara was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka but England remained in control with Pope unbeaten at the end of the day's play.

England and Sri Lanka players took to the field under overcast skies at The Oval. Sri Lanka's captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, eager to restore his team's reputation, won the toss and chose to bowl first. The pace duo of Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando led the attack, but England's openers, Ben Duckett and Dan Lawrence started steadily, bringing the score to 45/0 in just nine overs. Duckett, embracing the aggressive 'Bazball' approach, raced to 36 off 35 balls. The breakthrough for Sri Lanka came in the 10th over when Lahiru Kumara removed Lawrence, who had been struggling with the full-length deliveries. Despite this, Duckett continued to press on, reaching his tenth Test half-century off 48 balls. Just as the pair seemed to be setting a strong platform, the play was interrupted by bad light and a slight drizzle, leading to an early lunch with England at 76/1 in 15 overs.

After lunch, Duckett resumed his aggressive innings, displaying his signature scoop shots all around the park. Ollie Pope, who had joined him, also looked in fine touch, and together they built a solid partnership of 95 runs, taking England to 139/1 in 25 overs. However, Duckett fell short of his century when another scoop shot failed, giving Lahiru Kumara his second wicket. Joe Root then joined Pope, and the pair played with their usual flair, rotating the strike and finding the boundary occasionally. Root’s stay was short-lived, though, as Kumara struck again in the 39th over, providing Sri Lanka with a crucial wicket. By tea, England stood at 194/3, with Harry Brook and Pope at the crease.

Post the tea break, Pope shifted gears attacking the Sri Lankan pacers with a flurry of boundaries. He reached his seventh Test century off 102 balls, pushing England to 221/3. Unfortunately, the weather once again interrupted play due to poor light, prompting the players to leave the field as the crowd applauded Pope's outstanding performance. Due to fading light and overcast conditions, the umpires have decided to call off play for the day as England finishes Day 1 at 221/3.

He played some great shots today!

Hero!

What a day at office!

Dayummmm!!! 

Hahaha!

Combination!

He looks in great touch!

He does it all!

What a shot that was!

No worries hewill come and score again!

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