Ollie Pope shone with his sixth Test century as England established a commanding position on day one of the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
After being asked to bat first, England quickly recovered from an early setback thanks to a rapid 105-run partnership between Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Despite losing Zak Crawley in the first over, England reached lunch at 134-2, with the West Indies failing to capitalize on winning the toss. Joe Root and Harry Brook fell in the afternoon session, but Pope’s resilience saw him reach his first Test century since January against India. He eventually fell for 121, with captain Ben Stokes contributing a half-century to help England amass a first-innings total of 416.
Duckett Leads Revival After Early Setback
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite got off to an ideal start with Alzarri Joseph dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck. However, Duckett and Pope stabilized the innings, with Duckett particularly aggressive against Jayden Seales, helping England reach 50 in just 26 balls. Duckett was dismissed for 71 from 59 balls by Shamar Joseph, but his aggressive approach had already set a strong foundation for England.
Pope Stands Firm for Century
Pope capitalized on two dropped catches to reach his 13th Test fifty early in the afternoon session. Despite a change of ball favoring the West Indies and costing Joe Root his wicket, Pope remained steadfast. He was eventually dismissed five overs after tea, having scored 121, with his century marked by a boundary off Seales.
Stokes and Lower Order Contributions
Stokes continued to push England’s score, reaching his 50th half-century in Tests before falling for 69. Contributions from the lower order, including Jamie Smith’s 36 and Chris Woakes’ 37, ensured England crossed the 400-run mark before being all out just before the close of play.
Key Comments
Ollie Pope, speaking to Sky Sports Cricket:
“It was a really good day, but we also feel we left a couple out there which is a really good sign for us as a batting unit. When you get put into bat and put 416 on the board, you can’t complain about that. The pressure Ben Duckett put back on the West Indies bowlers was class and that took the pressure out of it for me.”
Former West Indies bowler Ian Bishop, speaking on Sky Sports Cricket:
“I would say it’s a day which, from a West Indies perspective, could have been better but could have been worse. They’ll be happy to have taken all 10 English wickets today, but they’ll be disappointed at the run-rate which they allowed England to fly off to and continue with through the day. With a couple of batters who got set and a hundred for Pope, I think England will say maybe we gave away two or three more wickets than we should have.”
Former England bowler Stuart Broad on the Pavilion End at Trent Bridge being renamed after him:
“Hearing on commentary that a bowler is coming on from the Stuart Broad End still feels quite surreal. Trent Bridge played such a big role in my inspiration and enthusiasm for the game. I grew up watching my Dad here. I ran onto the outfield every lunch and tea break. Then I was lucky enough to play for Nottinghamshire and represent England here. I don’t view it as an end named after me but named after my family and the relationship we have with the city of Nottingham, the county, and the club.”
England’s Test Series vs West Indies
- 1st Test – Lord’s: England won by an innings and 114 runs
- 2nd Test: July 18-22, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- 3rd Test: July 26-30, Edgbaston, Birmingham
Credit: Sky Sports
