20-Year-Old Ollie Pope to Make Debut in Second England vs India Test at Lord’s

Right-Handed batsman Ollie Pope is all set to make his debut at Lord’s as hosts England take on India in the second Test of the five-match series. The 20-year-old batsman replaced left-hander Dawid Malan, who is going through a lean patch, in the England squad. And will replace Malan in the playing XI as well. Pope, who represents Surrey in the county cricket, will bat at number four. Though he usually bats at number six for his county side.

England captain Joe Root confirmed the development and said: “Ollie Pope will come in and bat at four.” However, it still remains to be seen whether Chris Woakes or Moeen Ali replaces Ben Stokes in the playing XI. The all-rounder will miss the second Test due to his trial for affray outside a club in Bristol last year. IND vs ENG 2nd Test 2018 Preview: Spotlight on Indian Batsmen at Lord’s

Coming back to Pope, the youngster has featured 15 first-class matches so far. He has scored 1012 runs including four centuries and three half-centuries. He was recently part of the England Lions side that hosted India A team at Worcester in a one-off unofficial Test.

Pope, who is also a specialist wicketkeeper, scored eight in the first innings and unbeaten 50 in the second innings as England Lions won the match by 253 runs. It's an Honour to Captain the Indian Cricket Team, Says Virat Kohli Ahead of IND vs ENG 2nd Test at Lord's

Meanwhile, India will look to bounce back and draw level in the series after losing the opening Test at Edgbaston, The visitors were handed a 31-run defeat inside four days. During India’s tour of England 2014, the team managed to win a Test at Lord’s. The Indian team will be looking to take a cue from that victory.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2018 08:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).