Ollie Pope made full use of the practice match in Perth, hitting a composed hundred as most of England’s top order spent time in the middle ahead of the first Ashes Test. While Pope, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley made strong contributions, senior batter Joe Root and vice-captain Harry Brook missed out in what could be their last chance before the series begins.
England reached 426 in reply to the England Lions’ corrected total of 375, with Pope’s measured 100 standing out on day two at Lilac Hill.
Strong Top-Order Start
Duckett (92) and Crawley (82) put on a fluent 182 for the opening wicket, scoring at more than six runs an over in the morning session. Duckett survived an early chance on six, but both openers capitalised well in friendly batting conditions.
However, the innings stuttered when England lost four wickets for only 16 runs. Root fell for one, hooking Matthew Potts to mid-wicket, while Brook’s stay lasted just 16 balls. The right-hander repeatedly charged at the seamers and was bowled for two attempting another improvised stroke.
Pope and Stokes Steady the Innings
Pope rebuilt the innings alongside captain Ben Stokes, adding 137 for the fifth wicket. Pope, often criticised for being restless in Test cricket, batted with control to reach a confidence-boosting century. Stokes, returning after a shoulder injury and usually someone who skips warm-ups, played a patient knock of 77 to regain rhythm.
Pope’s innings also settled any talk of pressure from Jacob Bethell, who himself made only two for the Lions.
Bowling and Injury Concerns
England’s bowling was led by Potts, who took 3 for 66 for the Lions and looked the best seamer on either side. His performance gains importance with Mark Wood undergoing a scan after hamstring tightness on the opening day. Wood was at the ground with his left leg heavily strapped as England awaited the report.
Spin remained a concern. Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks, both part of the wider Ashes group but playing for the Lions, struggled. Bashir conceded nearly a run a ball in his 12 overs, while Jacks, returning from a broken finger, took 1 for 61.
Concerns for Root and Brook
England bowl again on Saturday, but the team may worry about Root not getting another hit before the Test. Root has not crossed 25 in recent innings and his latest dismissal, after facing only 12 balls, extended scrutiny around his record in Australia.
Brook, recently named vice-captain, played an erratic innings that offered little value in match practice. If he repeats that approach, England might not consider giving him another opportunity on the final day.
England will now hope for clarity on Wood’s injury and better preparation time for their middle order before the Ashes begins on 21 November.
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