England batsman Ollie Pope has reckoned that the pace of the game would probably change a little bit now as he felt The Oval pitch has much less assistance compared to day one and the hosts may have to slog hard to get wickets against India in the second innings in the ongoing fourth Test.
Pope made a brilliant comeback in whites, as he was top-scorer for England with 81 to help the hosts to post 290 in the first inning in reply to Team 191 to take a lead in the ongoing fourth Test at The Oval.
The middle-order batsman said his knock of 81 was a special one for him as it came on his comeback, more so on his home ground at The Oval on Friday (September 3) against India.
Pope told reporters after day two's play on Friday, “The pace of the game would probably change a little bit now. With that ball softer and the outfield quick enough, we might toil a bit longer for wickets. Hopefully, we can go and get the rewards.”
The 23-year-old revealed that his change in stance by moving back from the middle a little bit helped him negotiate the Indian attack during the course of his innings.
He said, “To be honest, I watched the way Root played this series and had some good conversation with the coach and some senior players. I've recognized the Indian attack is very skillful and they attack the knee roll. As a batter, you have to adapt, and accordingly a couple of weeks ago I made the decision.”
Pope signed off by saying, “I really enjoyed it, first Test as well at my home ground so it was a special, special occasion for me. I trusted my game and defence and was happy to have contributed and put the side in a decent position.”
(With PTI Inputs)
