Ollie Pope joins Joe Root in elite list after outstanding 196 against India in 1st Test

Ollie Pope smacked a wonderful century in the ongoing India vs England 1st Test. Ollie Pope powered a 196-run knock in IND vs ENG 1st Test in Hyderabad. Ollie Pope failed to hit a Test double ton against India but broke multiple records with his outstanding knock. He joined Joe Root in one of the elite records against India in Tests.

Ollie Pope arrived with a stunning knock in the 2nd innings when England needed it the most. Trailing by 190 runs, England had a tough challenge in the 2nd innings. However, Pope propelled England to a 400-plus total in the 2nd innings.

With Pope’s stunning knock, England ended with 420 all-out in 2nd innings. They set a target of 231 runs for India in the final innings of IND vs ENG 1st Test. The India vs England 2nd Test takes place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Ollie Pope joins Joe Root in the elite list

With his 196-run knock, Ollie Pope has joined Joe Root in an elite list. Pope is now the England batter with the fourth-highest knock against India in Tests. Joe Root holds the record for top knock with 218 against India in Tests. Mike Gatting and Graeme Flower steal the 2nd and 3rd spots with 207 and 201 respectively.

Most runs by England player against India in Tests (In India)

1. Joe Root (218 in 2021)
2. Mike Gatting (207 in 1985)
3. Graeme Flower (201 in 1985)
4. Ollie Pope (196 in 2024)

Interestingly, Pope had the chance to become the fourth England batter to score a double ton against India. However, he remained short of 4 runs for the feat. However, the right-handed batter registered another record in his name.

Ollie Pope scores 4th highest knock in 2nd innings in India

The Englan youngster also scripted the record for the fourth-highest knock by a batsman of a visiting team against India in 2nd innings. Former Zimbabwe player Andy Flower holds the peak position with an unbeaten 232 against India in 2000.

Brendon McCullum shattered 225 in 2000. West Indies legend Gary Sobers stormed 198 in India long back in 1958. Now, Pope has inscribed his name on the 4th spot in this elite list. Below is the complete list for the record.

Highest knock by a batsman of visiting team against India

1. Andy Flower- 232* in 2000
2. Brendon McCullum – 225 in 2010
3. Gary Sobers- 198 in 1958
4. Ollie Pope- 196 in 2024

India need 231 for victory in IND vs ENG 1st Test

Meanwhile, Team India has a target of 231 against England in the 2nd innings of the 1st Test. Earlier, Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first. England got out for 246 in 1st innings. The home side replied with 436 all-out. Later, England made a comeback with 420-10.