Captain Root praises maturity of young Pope after 193 partnership

JOE ROOT praised Ollie Pope after England’s accidental wicket-keeper responded to his captain’s call for application by batting for over four hours for a Test-best 75 on the fourth day at Seddon Park against New Zealand. Playing at No 7 for the first time after Jos Buttler tweaked his back on the eve of the game, Pope batted like a veteran rather than a 21-year-old in his sixth Test innings, having already kept wicket for 129 overs as New Zealand compiled 375. Pope did not enjoy a fortunate return to the Test team in Mount Maunganui after a 15-month absence, falling to a pair of loose strokes outside off-stump for 29 and six. But he reined in his natural game during a stand of 193 with Root, England’s highest for the sixth wicket in nearly four years. ‘He played extremely well,’ said Root. ‘When Ollie plays for Surrey, he’s very free-flowing, scores quickly and likes to put pressure on bowlers. He knew it was a slow pitch and showed a lot of maturity. ‘He realised it was a crucial partnership and we needed to make sure we got into a position where we could dictate terms.’ Their stand helped England reach 476, their highest tally in the first innings of a Test since Alastair Cook’s unbeaten 244 lifted them to 491 in Melbourne two years ago. Root also explained why he celebrated reaching 150 by gesticulating with his thumbs, after an unusual promise from Jofra Archer. ‘Jofra said: “If you get 150, you can have my Xbox controller”,’ added Root. ‘He thought it would be a nice thing to do. I don’t play Xbox much, but I’ll take it.’ Above all, Root sounded relieved after making 226, the second-highest score of his Test career and his third doublecentury, in a year when his white-ball form has taken so many plaudits. ‘Mentally, to be able to finish the year strong is nice,’ he added. ‘I feel like my game has been pretty much there. Sometimes, you just need a few extra runs. It’s the business we’re in.’