The third Test of their current Test series will pit England against Sri Lanka. On September 6, both teams squared off in the series’ last Test at London’s Kennington Oval. England has already clinched the series after winning the first two Tests, but they will be hoping for a perfect series if they do well in the third Test as well.
England’s batting innings were off to a poor start when first man Dan Lawrence was dismissed after only five runs in 21 deliveries.
Ben Duckett, though, had a fantastic innings to help the home team level the score. Duckett and Ollie Pope combined for 86 runs in 79 deliveries, with Duckett scoring another outstanding knock.
The hosts lost the toss and elected to bat first in the third match between England and Sri Lanka.
Pope amassed 103* runs in the same number of deliveries to end the day undefeated. Lahiru Kumara dismissed the in-form Joe Root after he amassed 13 runs in the first innings, therefore he did not score much.
Moreover, England scored 221 runs on the first day, losing three wickets, while Harry Brook remained undefeated at eight runs. Just 44.1 overs were bowled on the opening day when poor lighting forced the day to be abandoned midway through.
Also Read: Brendon McCullum of his tight friendship with Ben Stokes, “We’ve developed over the last couple of years.”
On the opening day, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake were the only players for Sri Lanka to claim wickets; Kumara scored two runs and Rathnayake claimed one. On day two, the team hopes to get better and get rid of Ollie Pope, who appears to be settled in the crease.
Here’s how X reacted to day 1 of the third ENG-SL Test:
Brilliant 100 from Ollie pope .. England 221 for 3 .. and off again for bad light .. Seriously Test cricket has a problem ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 6, 2024
England captain Ollie Pope celebrates scoring a century. pic.twitter.com/TMxdaarMOS
— Kyle Andrews (@K_AndrewsPhotos) September 6, 2024
Ollie Pope today… 😂😂😂
Need to do some editing of this image pic.twitter.com/khQdEHpDv4— Philip Chapman 🏏🐝 (@pgpchappers) September 6, 2024
What an excellent run a ball century for Ollie Pope. Just what the doctor ordered! That will silence the critics for a while. Seven centuries against 7 different countries. #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/LrRZxs9zzU
— Howard Hodgson (@HodgsonHoward) September 6, 2024
Entertaining inning from Ben duckett comes to an end, He missed well deserved century by playing scoop shot. The Bazball mindset 👏 #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/TpIHFBp8ox
— Sa HiB (LQ) (@SaHib__143) September 6, 2024
A very rare and beautiful SIX by Ben Duckett.#ENGvsSLpic.twitter.com/AUvoP8LIPc
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) September 6, 2024
“Ollie Pope looks in great touch, but every few overs he plays a reckless shot. It’s like he’s determined to throw away the chance to score big on a pitch he thrives on. Just focus and bat, Pope!”#olliepops #ECB pic.twitter.com/xFpZk0MiiA
— Krishna (@onlineKrishna12) September 6, 2024
Ollie Pope answers the @MichaelVaughan with brilliant hundred.
He was questioned,was under serious pressure.He was playing for his place and finally silenced all his critics with magnificent century. pic.twitter.com/fkxtxGBWE6
— Sports Zone (@rohit_balyan) September 7, 2024
Ollie Pope is averaging 45 this test match summer. 43 at number three. He now has six test tons against six different opponents. Can we now put to rest this media charade that his place is even close to being under pressure.
— Adam Sutherland (@AdamSants_) September 6, 2024
![[WATCH]: Faf du Plessis pulls off gravity-defying one-handed screamer in MLC 2025, clip takes internet by storm](https://onecricket.pro/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1770821-rcb-2-120x86.jpg "[WATCH]: Faf du Plessis pulls off gravity-defying one-handed screamer in MLC 2025, clip takes internet by storm 4")
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