Ollie Pope's Century Shines as England Posts Mammoth 426 in Ashes Warm-Up

November 14, 2025
Ollie Pope's Century Shines as England Posts Mammoth 426 in Ashes Warm-Up
  • Fast bowler Mark Wood missed bowling due to a left hamstring issue, with medical scans pending to assess his fitness ahead of the first Test.

  • Stokes reported feeling good after bowling 16 overs and remained bemused by several dismissals, as England steels for the first Test starting later in November.

  • England’s bowlers, including Potts, Bashir, and Will Jacks, bowled economically in parts on a flat deck that offered limited assistance to bowlers.

  • England’s Ollie Pope struck his first Ashes tour century, finishing 113 off 108 balls with 16 boundaries and a six, as England built a massive total of 426 all out following a 182-run opening stand from Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.

  • England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett anchored the day with a 182-run stand, providing a solid base on a flat pitch before Pope’s late-century surge.

  • Pope’s three-figure milestone came as England declared or closed on 426, with Stokes contributing a solid 77 and provide resilience after early wobbles.

  • Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell claimed three late wickets, offering a glimpse of depth, while Bashir and Will Jacks conceded runs and dismissed fewer opponents.

  • The broader context includes related reads on Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Wood’s injuries, and discussion of England’s preparation strategy.

  • The three-day warm-up functioned as a low-key build-up to the Test series, with England using a Lions outfit while Australia’s stars played in the Shield, and some hints of Bazball-inspired plans against Australia.

  • Crawley described the pitch as flat and noted weather and flies as challenges while England prepared for the series.

  • Stokes reacted emotionally to his spell, a moment mirrored by observers and signaling his belief in England’s momentum heading into the Ashes.

  • Brook again showed intent with aggressive shots, while Root was dismissed LBW to Matthew Potts, interrupting England’s push for time at the crease.

Summary based on 7 sources


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