ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Lloyd Pope Hopeful of an Improved Performance against India

2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup has already given a glimpse of the upcoming stars on the highest level.

The tournament has reached the business end, as India, and Australia will face each other in the final on Saturday. The final match of the tournament promises to be a mouth-watering clash, as both the teams have some star performers on their sides with Prithvi Shaw, Shubhman Gill, Jason Sangha Kamlesh Nagarkoti etc.

Another name on the list is of the Australian leg-spinner, Lloyd Pope who recorded the best bowling figures in the under-19 World Cup when he picked up 8-35 from 9.4 overs to help bowl England out for just 96, as the Aussies defended a low total of 127 to advance to the semi-finals.

This bowling performance had earned him praises from around the world making him an overnight sensation. This performance also drew him comparison with the Australian legend Shane Warne.

Even the Indian fans joined the Aussies in this comparison which left the tall leg-spinner amused. Pope said,

“It’s been a bit of a blur … I’ve never had anything like that before. I’ve had a lot of interest from other countries, including India especially. It’s really weird to see because I’ve always just played cricket and had my family say well done and no one else really. It feels a little odd.”

Pope bowled just three overs in the first match giving away 22 runs without enjoying any success, but the bowler feels that he will have an improved performance in the final,

“It goes both ways. They can look at us, and we can look at them. But at the end of the day, it’s just how we perform in the game. I know they play spin very well, but I’m backing myself to take some wickets and not go for too many runs.

Pope is eager to join the likes of Australian under-19 World Cup winners such as Mitchell Marsh, George Bailey and Josh Hazlewood.

“I don’t really mind too much about the quarter-final anymore. It’s all about the trophy now. That’s what we came here to win.”

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