Ollie Pope Shines as England Dominates First Day at Trent Bridge

Ollie Pope scored a magnificent 121 runs, driving England to a robust 416 all out on the first day against West Indies at Trent Bridge. Despite early challenges, contributions from Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, and Chris Woakes solidified England's promising start in the second test.

NOTTINGHAM, England, July 18 (Reuters) - Ollie Pope played a crucial knock of 121 to propel England to a significant 416 all out against West Indies on the first day of the second test at Trent Bridge on Thursday. Despite being dropped twice, Pope's resilient performance was crucial for the hosts.

England faced an early setback as Zak Crawley was caught off Alzarri Joseph's third delivery. However, Ben Duckett's swift 71 stabilized the innings. Duckett hit four consecutive boundaries and reached fifty in just 32 balls before falling short of a century.

Pope, supported by contributions from Joe Root and Harry Brook, grew in confidence, celebrating his century with a boundary through square leg. Even with Captain Ben Stokes's return to form with a solid 69, lower-order efforts from Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes ensured England's strong finish at 416.

(With inputs from agencies.)