Ben Stokes has hailed Ollie Pope as 'phenomenal' after the 22-year-old scored his maiden Test century to put England in a commanding position against South Africa. Pope's unbeaten 135, combined with Stokes' 120, powered England to 499 for nine declared on day two of the third Test in Port Elizabeth.
Pope became the youngest England player to score a Test century since Alastair Cook in 2006, reaching three figures at 22 years and 15 days. His knock, alongside Stokes, formed a 203-run third-wicket partnership that turned the match in England's favour after they were 85 for two.
Stokes, who continued his fine form in the series, said of Pope: 'His record in first-class cricket is phenomenal, but no matter how well you do at that level, you’re always wanting to put in the big performance and score that hundred to know you can play at this level. What we’ve seen from Ollie in his short career so far is that he definitely can do it in Test cricket.'
Pope admitted he thought his chance was gone when he was given out lbw on 75 just before lunch, but a successful review saved him. 'I thought it would be me heading back to the changing rooms,' he said. 'When Stokesy told me to review with two seconds left I thought it was clutching at straws. When we saw the replay and the green it was a pretty good feeling.'
South Africa ended a rain-shortened day on 60 for two in reply, trailing by 439 runs. England will look to press home their advantage on day three as they seek a series-levelling victory.
