Pope makes an impact as England win against the Lions as Joe Root and Harry Brook also get among the runs.
Pope shines again as Root, Brook tune up in England win.
In England’s five-wicket triumph over the Lions on a slow surface at Lilac Hill, Joe Root and Harry Brook had penultimate hits in the middle before to the first Ashes Test, but they were unable to build on promising starts.
After openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley were removed, England faltered at 14 for 2 while chasing 202 runs in batting-friendly conditions. After fighting off a short delivery from seamer Nathan Gilchrist to point in the first innings, Duckett fell for a golden duck, ending their daring 182-run partnership.
Duckett can anticipate a strong delivery on Optus Stadium’s bouncier surface, and this was a rare instance when the ball reared off the sedate surface. Crawley edged Matt Potts to slip after a loose drive.
Any doubts about Ollie Pope’s selection for the first Test were dispelled by his elegant century in the first innings, and his confidence was further bolstered with a quick 90 off 67 balls.
Pope controlled a 113-run partnership with Root, who spent more time at the bat after scoring only 1 run off 12 in the first innings, with aggressive strokes all over the wicket, especially down the ground.
Prior to being dismissed by offspinner Will Jacks after playing down the wrong line, Root was mostly focused on rotating the strike with deft running between the wickets. He silently reached 31 off 52 balls.
After a brutal first-innings dismissal in which he was bowled after charging down the pitch, Brook arrived at the crease. After mishandling a reverse paddle against Jacks, he drove to 19 before his stumps were shaken.
England reached the goal in just 34.4 overs thanks to Jamie Smith’s unbeaten 39 off 22 and Ben Stokes’ 15 not out.