7 Test tons against seven different countries; Unique record for Ollie Pope

English captain Ollie Pope became the first player in Test cricket’s history to score his first seven centuries against seven different opponents. He achieved this feat after bringing up his maiden Test ton at his home ground – The Oval in London on Friday (September 6) against Sri Lanka during the third Test of the three-match series. 

First century as captain for Pope

Pope, who had previously scored a ton each against South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, India and West Indies, hit his seventh ton against the Lankans. This was also Pope’s first Test century as a skipper. He is the stand-in skipper of the English side in the absence of regular captain Ben Stokes who was ruled out of the series due to an injury. 

Pope at Oval: Best first-class average at a venue

Pope, who plays for Surrey in the County Championships, has a first-class average of over 80 at the Oval, his home ground. At the start of the match, his average was 80, which is the highest for any batter at one ground since 2000 in more than 40 first-class innings. 

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, England lost Dan Lawrence’s wicket in the 10th over. However, Ben Duckett continued to attack the Sri Lankan bowlers and scored a magnificent 86. Pope continued in the Duckett mould, reaching his century in 102 balls. Bad light stopped the opening day’s play with England at 221/3 in 44.1 overs. The hosts already lead the three-match series 2-0. 

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