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'One of the best knocks on Indian soil'- Fans hail Ollie Pope's masterful 196 in Hyderabad Test vs India

England's Ollie Pope powers them to 420 after first-innings deficit, setting India a tricky 231 to win. Pope's innings was a masterclass of how to bat in Indian conditions.

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Sarah Andrew
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Ollie Pope's innings has been hailed as one of the best on Indian soil.

Ollie Pope's innings has been hailed as one of the best on Indian soil.

Ollie Pope, the English vice-captain, has single-handedly rewritten the script of the ongoing Hyderabad Test against India. His magnificent 196, a masterclass in adaptability, grit, and calculated aggression, has dragged England back from the brink of defeat and put them in a surprisingly strong position to win the match.

At 163-5, England were in a poor position and the odds were heavily stacked against the visitors, the pressure almost palpable. But as they say, tough times call for special players, and Pope arrived on the scene with the poise of a seasoned veteran and the hunger of a young lion. One of the defining features of Pope's innings was his masterful utilization of the sweep and reverse sweep. His timing was exquisite, the bat meeting the ball with a satisfying thwack and this tactic not only nullified the threat of the spinners but also allowed him to score crucial runs, keeping England's faint hopes alive and sending a ripple of nervous tension through the vociferous Indian crowd.

But Pope's masterpiece wasn't just about flamboyant strokes; it was also a testament to his rock-solid defence. He knew when to bide his time, shoulders stooped and bat held tight, leaving deliveries that spun viciously outside the off-stump. This wasn't passive resistance though; it was a calculated one in which he punished anything that was even slightly loose.

Pope's century, a monumental effort forged in the heat of battle, has not only put England back in contention but has also secured his place in the pantheon of great visiting batsmen who have conquered the Indian spin challenge. While the outcome of the Test match remains to be seen, one thing is for certain: Ollie Pope's Hyderabad heroics have already earned him a permanent place in the history books of Indian cricket. 

Here's a look at how 'X-verse' reacted to Pope's sublime innings:

INDvsENG Ollie Pope