During the second test of the England-New Zealand test series English middle-order, batsman Ollie Pope pulls off a brilliant one-handed stunner. Watch: Ollie Pope shows a brilliant presence of mind to pluck a Catch at silly point during NZ vs ENG 2nd Test.
England is once again in a pole position after the end of Day 2 play. After declaring their innings on 435/8 on day 1 they started day 2 excellently with the ball. James Anderson removed Conway, Will Young, and the big fish Kane Williamson inside 9 overs.
Then as the ball got a bit old off-spinner Jack Leach comes into play and dismissed well-settled Tom Latham on 35 runs. After captain Latham’s wicket, Daryll Mitchell and Henry Nicholls did try to stand a bit but Leach soon removed both of them as well.
During the end of the first session of the day when Daryll Mitchell was batting to rescue, New Zealand. He was looking well in control but then Ollie Pope pulled off a spectacular catch at the silly point.
Watch: Ollie Pope shows a brilliant presence of mind to pluck a Catch at silly point during NZ vs ENG 2nd Test
The English specialist short leg and silly point fielder Ollie Pope has been seen taking some breathtaking catches on these positions. On day 2 of the second test, he did no different to dismiss Daryl Mitchell on 13 runs.
Daryll Mitchell was in the crease when the Kiwis were down 96/6. Jack Leach was bowling with a well-equipped field around Mitchell. He kept bowling at a particular area to Mitchel at a varied pace which was making it very difficult for him to defend.
What on earth 🤯
This is 𝗨𝗡𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 from Ollie Pope 🔥
The perfect to finish the session! #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/hehHIe5UO0
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 25, 2023
The did his basics right and initiated a huge front foot to defend a stump line ball. The ball struck almost near the handle of the bat and was moving quickly away. Ollie Pope stationed at silly point saw it coming early and dived himself early to the ball. Luckily the ball did stick in his hand and Mitchell couldn’t believe his eyes.
Mitchell’s wicket made the hosts even more vulnerable and after the end of the day’s play, they were 138/7.
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Day 3 will be a deciding day for this test match if the rain doesn’t force another early stump. England on the other hand would like to make New Zealand bat again keeping the rain in mind.
If New Zealand has to avoid the follow-on they need to fight.