Warne-esque Pope the hero

– Lloyd Pope produced something of a cricketing miracle yesterday when the leg-spinner took tournament record figures of 8/35 to bowl Australia into the semifinals of the Under-19 cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

The 18-year-old’s haul was even more impressive considering the fact his side had been dismissed for 127 in the 34th over of their quarterfinal against England, who were cruising to victory at 47/0 after seven overs.

Pope, however, was then thrown the ball by captain Jason Sangha and he proceeded to run amok, taking two wickets in his first over off successive balls.

England were bowled out for 96,despite opener Tom Banton scoring 58.

Comparisons to leg-spinning great Shane Warne were immediately being made. The Australian is widely considered to have changed the art of leg-spin as he tortured batsmen worldwide with his control and variations before retiring with 708 Test wickets but Pope said he did not feel anything like him.

“I don’t tend to compare myself to him,” said Pope, whose long unkempt hair would be shorn when he returns home.

“Comparisons? I don’t really think about them too much.”

Meanwhile, South Africa take on Pakistan in the quarterfinals in Christchurch today. – Reuters

Wellington