Ben Duckett admitted he had “goosebumps” watching under-pressure Ollie Pope score a century on day two of the first Test between England and India at Headingley.
Pope entered the series against India under pressure in his no 3 spot, with many calling for Jacob Bethell to potentially take his place with one eye on the Ashes this winter.
However, Pope answered the questions with a defiant innings, scoring 100 from 125 deliveries with 13 fours, punching the air through gritted teeth as he clipped an inside edge to take him to triple figures.
His innings, which remains in tact heading into a pivotal day three, has been crucial in England clawing their way back into the contest after taking just three wickets on day one, however they still trail India by 262 runs having reached stumped on Saturday at 209-3.
For England opener Duckett, it is another display that proves Pope can be a “match winner” for his side and he was overjoyed to see his team-mate get such a special moment in front of the Headingley crowd following so much external noise.
“I had goosebumps for him,” Duckett told Sky Sports.
“He is such a good bloke and I love batting with him – I am sure Crawley would say the same.
“You go one down and he comes in and takes all the pressure on you and scores quick.
“He is such a legend and such a big part of this team.
“We know there is noise outside the dressing room so to go and score 171 then 100 is something else.
“If he does get in, he gets 100s and someone like him at 3 against India, it is a no brainer.
“Popey scoring 100s and he did it away as well when we won- he is a match winner.
“It is a great start to the series for him.”
