England batsman Ollie Pope was the pick of the batsmen on Day 2 of the fourth Test against India as his fine 81 helped the hosts England take a big 99 run lead in the first innings at The Oval.
The visitors were in a spot of bother at one stage after they were reduced to 62/5 but an 89-run stand between Pope and Jonny Bairstow for the sixth wicket followed by a partnership of 71 between Pope and Moeen Ali helped them get back on track.
Talking about his knock after the end of the day’s play, Pope asserted that this innings can help him get the “good run” again.
"I'm only 23 but I've got some good experience in the Test arena (20 Tests), so hopefully, I can build on today and start a good run again," Pope said at the press conference on Friday.
Pope further talked about his career, his place in the side and how all this has been a learning curve for him. "It's been a stop-start career so far. I made my debut back probably nearly four years ago; I've been in and out and had shoulder operations. It's been a learning curve, to be honest,” he added.
Eventually, England put on 290 on the board in reply to India’s 191. The visitors later finished the day at 43/0, trailing by 56 runs with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul still unbeaten at the crease.
The five-match series is presently levelled at 1-1. While the first match at Nottingham ended in a draw, India clinched a comprehensive win in the second clash at Lord’s. The home side then made a comeback in the third encounter in Leeds to level the series.