BUMBLE ON THE TEST: Ollie Pope is a concern for England, aggressive ‘Bazball’ needs adjusting… and the secret behind Joe Root’s success
Joe Root’s 33rd Test century was a landmark for England after Sri Lanka’s bold decision to bowl under clear blue skies at Lord’s threatened to pay off.
After a nerve-wracking 12 balls off 99, Root eventually equalled Sir Alastair Cook’s England record for most hundreds in a Test match. The Yorkshireman scored a magnificent 143 to set the stage for a first day total of 358 for seven.
Gus Atkinson hit four sixes in a Test-best 74 not out from 81 balls as England moved to 216 for six, but the day belonged to Root, who scored prolifically from behind square on either side of the wicket.
His only downside was being dismissed for his patented reverse ramp, although he was far from the only one to give away his wicket. Ollie Pope made his third successive single-figure score since replacing Ben Stokes as England captain.
Mail Sport columnist DAVID ‘BUMBLE’ LLOYD takes you through some of the stories you may have missed at Lord’s.
Joe Root’s historic 33rd Test century saved England against Sri Lanka on Thursday
A strange decision?
It seemed a strange decision from Sri Lanka at the toss, especially as you have the best player in the game in Prabath Jayasuriya and there is no real speed to bowl England out.
It is increasingly the modern way to engage the opposition, even when the sun is shining. I am old fashioned – hit first and pile them on.
Jayasuriya still bowled beautifully and although there was nothing in play for him on the first day, I found the Sri Lankan fast boys very intelligent.
All eyes on the Pope
The spotlight is firmly on Ollie Pope. This is his 48th Test and he averages 34.
An England number three averaging 34 is not good enough and he was out for another ridiculous shot on Thursday. Regardless of the vice-captaincy, this is a crucial series for Pope the batter.
It has to be a concern for England. I don’t think they will let him go, but the stats tell the whole story. In my opinion James Vince would be the better player and an absolute perfect fit for this regime.
The spotlight is firmly on Ollie Pope. This is his 48th Test and he is averaging 34, which is not good.
Shining stars
It’s great to see Olly Stone getting another chance. He’s quicker than most and with the Ashes approaching, England have no shortage of options at pace.
Look at Gus Atkinson winning the race with a wet sail and I’m glad Saqib Mahmood is back to full fitness and form.
Also a word to Josh Hull and keep an eye on Gloucestershire’s Zaman Akhter, who dismissed Joe Root and Harry Brook when he took his first five-for. We have a battery of genuine fast bowlers and the trick is to keep them fit.
It’s great to see Olly Stone getting another chance as he’s quicker than most.
A little bit of gardening
I’m not in London this week, so I spent my morning at home gardening.
Well, I’ve been trying to make a putting green in the yard because my putting is crap. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress.
On the advice of the greenkeeper I started with some hollow gills (which is what you do to make the holes), followed by some scarification (which is what you do to get the debris out) and then I seeded the green with my little hopper and some creeping fescue. For some reason my wife thinks I’m crack.
Should the English Bazball game be changed?
Once again it was up to Joe Root and the middle order to rescue England from a sticky situation at 82 for three, with Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett all giving their wickets to Sri Lanka.
I like Bazball’s aggression but shot selection is so important, at this level you need good defense and solid concentration.
As Sir Geoffrey Boycott said, ‘Don’t do owt daft!’ At the moment, that highest order doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in me.
It was up to Joe Root and the middle order to reel England back to 82 for three
A victory for modernity
I’m old enough to remember when the authorities decreed that all player equipment had to be white, with no other colors or markings on it.
You even had to tape over the three stripes on Adidas shoes! Now you see advertising everywhere.
The power of the player wins the day. If you watch it on TV it’s all a bit psychedelic because those boards are always changing color.
All the equipment used to be empty, but now there are ads everywhere
Balance is the key
Joe Root is the epitome of balance. When I say that, I mean he has a very good balance with his life outside of cricket.
He remains very level-headed and that’s a good lesson for any young player who takes his bat to bed with him.
Root will go down in history as the player with the most Test centuries for England, but knowing him, he will be eyeing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 centuries. At this rate, he’ll need another four years or so. Remember, he’s only 33. Keep up the good work, Joe!