India vs England: Ben Stokes calls Ollie Pope's ton as 'greatest innings by an English batter on subcontinent'

England captain Ben Stokes was all praise for Ollie Pope following his team’s 28-run win over India in the first Test in Hyderabad on Sunday. Ollie Pope registered a fine century in England’s second innings, with his 196 helping the visitors post 420 on the board and set India a target of 231. In India’s reply, Tom Hartley scalped seven wickets to dismiss the hosts for 202.

After England had been dismissed for 246 in the first innings, it was Pope’s knock on Day three that changed the complexion of the game. Ollie Pope had undergone a shoulder surgery following the Ashes last summer and this Test was his first competitive match for him since the surgery.

“Absolutely thrilled for everyone. Tom Hartley on debut getting nine wickets, Ollie Pope coming back after his shoulder surgery, incredible effort from everyone. Tom came into the squad for the first time. A lot of confidence given to him. I was willing to give him longer spells regardless of what happened because I knew I had to turn back to him at some point,” Stokes said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“The situation we found ourselves in, coming in at No. 3, the shots he (Pope) played, 190 on such a difficult wicket, he was able to manipulate the field with sweep shots and reverse-sweeps, the way he was able to rotate the strike, I think that’s the greatest innings that’s ever been played in subcontinent by an English batsman,” added Stokes.

Ollie Pope was adjudged the Player of the Match for his knock. Pope said that he was just trying to be positive with the sweeps and reverse sweeps. “To come here to India, toughest place as a better and put in a winning performance, it’s head and shoulders above the rest. I got a bit luckier in the second innings, played and missed a few,” said Pope.

“Wanted to be positive with my sweep and reverse-sweep. I’ve tinkered through my career, changed my technique specifically for this series. The family have had early starts but can catch up on some sleep now,” he added.