Centurion Pope answers the Ghosts’ prayers

OLLIE POPE has some big shoes to fill at his new club in Sydney – but he has already made the grade by scoring a century against an attack boasting two Australian Test stars.

The 19-year-old has followed in the footsteps of Monty Panesar and Mark Stoneman at the Campbelltown-Camden Ghosts and he has wasted no time in giving First Grade bowlers a fright.

Pope scored 114 off just 112 balls against a St George side boasting the talents of Josh Hazlewood and Trent Copeland – striking an early blow for the English with the first Test in Brisbane approaching.

Pope’s efforts won the admiration of his new teammates, who this week introduced him to one of Australia’s most enduring traditions, namely taking Melbourne Cup day off as an unofficial holiday to enjoy the big race.

“It’s crazy, it’s not a bank holiday but there didn’t seem to be many working on Tuesday!” he said. “They’re absolutely mad for it.”

In this particular corner of Sydney they’re mad for Pope, too, after his efforts against one of the league’s most highly rated teams.

“I’ve played in Sri Lanka and India before but out here it’s a completely different environment,” he said. “I’m living on my own, learning to cook and doing my own washing. I get a bit lazy in the kitchen and end up getting a takeaway or going out, so there’s a bit of a way to go. In fairness, though, I’m smashing the washing – I’m even hanging it out on the line!”

Away from his domestic challenges, Pope will be looking to use his winter as a springboard for cementing a place for Surrey, particularly after shining when being given the opportunity at the Oval this season.

And he certainly won’t be short of family company, even if he’s miles from home.

With Tom Curran boosting the Surrey contingent Down Under this week, he’s now looking forward to a game of golf with Jason Roy, soon to be playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash, before meeting up with Curran and Ben Foakes when England are in town.

“I’ve already pencilled in some golf with Jason, that’s on the calendar,” he said.

“I’ll be focusing on the cricket first, though.You only have to look at what Mason Crane did last year to see the difference a season here can make. It just shows what can happen.”