England is hosting Sri Lanka in the three-match test series. The Three Lions have already won the series by winning the first two test matches. They have been cruising past the Island nation since the start of the series. Under Brendon McCullum England has transformed their style of play. Now the side plays an aggressive brand of cricket irrespective of the conditions and teams. It has faced backlash but they have gained success as well.
In the third test against the Lankan Lions after being invited to bat first the hosts were off to a flyer. They were 191/3 with Ben Duckett and stand-in captain Ollie Pope stitched a 95-run partnership. The former was dismissed on 86 but Pope who was having a poor series scored his 7th hundred in the longest format of the game. He is still unbeaten at 103 after the end of day 1.
After scoring the hundred Pope created history. The record is that each of his first seven centuries came against different opponents. It is the first in the 147-year history of Test cricket. No other batter has achieved such a unique record not even the greats like Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. However, he answered all the criticism that was surrounding him due to his poor form.
Ollie Pope has not reached the greatness
Does this mean England’s new star is already greater than Bradman and Tendulkar? This might never happen records are meant to be broken and some records might be unique. However, this does not compare to the legacy or the quality that the two greatest batters of all time will be diminished. Pope might have etched the record beside his name. But he will never match the greatness of the two cricketers.
England’s next red-ball assignment will be against Pakistan. They will be travelling to Pakistan for the three-match test series against Shan Masood’s side. Ahead of that they have Australia lined up for the ODI and T20I series. The Three Lions have announced McCullum as their new head coach for the white ball format as well.
