Pope miracle saves Aussies
SHANE Warne has lauded a next-generation Australian leg-spinner who staved off imminent defeat at the under-19 cricket World Cup.
Lloyd Pope’s 8-35 spell helped the Aussies to defend 127 against England in New Zealand and earn a semi-final berth.
The 18-year-old South Australian’s figures were the best in the tournament’s history and quickly caught the eye of world cricket’s greatest leggie.
“This is terrific and brings a huge smile to my face,” Warne tweeted. “I had the pleasure of meeting this impressive young man in Adelaide a while ago.
“Lloyd give it a rip ... spin to win my friend.”
Resembling Warne’s match-winning spell against South Africa in the World Cup semi-final in 1999, Pope was called on early to resurrect Australia’s hopes. Cricket’s latest cult hero halted England’s run-a-ball start by snaring two of England’s leading batsmen in successive balls, before removing a sweeping Tom Banton for 58.
He then cleaned up the tail to leave England all out for 96 — its second- lowest total in the tournament’s 30-year history.
“I like putting myself in pressure scenarios, I feel like I bowl better under pressure,” Pope said after the game.
“This is by far the best bowling I’ve ever done (in any competition) and to do it for my country is pretty awesome, really.” While outstanding, the performance is hardly a fluke.
Pope was the leading wicket-taker at both the under-17 and under-19 national championships and is on a rookie contract with South Australia.