Ollie Pope shines as England captain in third Test against Sri Lanka

Ollie Pope, stepping in as captain for the injured Ben Stokes, showcased his resilience by scoring an unbeaten 103 runs in the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval. This performance came after a challenging period for Pope, whose batting average had dipped to 34 due to a lack of runs in his previous five innings. His century was crucial in helping England reach 221 for three on the first day, despite Sri Lanka winning the toss and facing difficult overhead conditions. Ben Duckett, who partnered with Pope for a significant 95-run second-wicket partnership, praised Pope for overcoming recent criticism and delivering a remarkable performance. Duckett himself contributed 86 runs before being dismissed, but he emphasized the positive atmosphere within the England dressing room, where players support each other's successes. The match was marked by a lengthy delay due to bad light, which interrupted play but did not deter Pope's focus. His ability to block out external noise and perform under pressure was a testament to his character and determination. Duckett noted that despite the challenges, the team environment remains supportive and encouraging. With this victory, Pope has the opportunity to lead England to a historic clean sweep in the Test summer, a feat not achieved since 2004. His leadership and batting prowess could be pivotal in securing this achievement for the team in the coming days.