‘It’s an amazing feeling . . . I thought I was out on 74!’

OLLIE POPE admitted last night he was convinced he was out before he had reached three figures. Pope’s unbeaten 135, along with a ninth Test century for Ben Stokes, lifted England to the rare riches of 499 for nine before off-spinner Dom Bess took two wickets when South Africa replied with 60 for two on the second day. But it could have been a different story had Stokes not urged Pope to review the lbw decision given by Bruce Oxenford off Dane Paterson when he was on 74. ‘I thought I was heading back to the changing room to be honest,’ said Pope, 22. ‘When Stokesy told me to review with two seconds left (it was actually four) I thought he was clutching at straws. When we watched the replay and saw the green light it was a pretty good feeling.’ Pope described the ‘special moment’ when he clipped Kagiso Rabada for four to reach the first of what should be many hundreds for England. ‘I was lucky enough to see Dom Sibley get his first Test hundred last week,’ said Pope. ‘And I saw Ben Foakes get his in Sri Lanka. I’ve always been ecstatic for them and thought it must be an amazing feeling. ‘So to actually do it today was awesome and a pretty special moment.’ Stokes, who celebrated his own century by paying tribute to his seriously ill father Ged, said: ‘That knock showed to everyone around the world just how exciting the talent is within our group. ‘Ollie’s record in first-class cricket is phenomenal but however good you are, you are always wanting to put in a big performance in Test cricket to know you can play at this level.’