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Pope's measured ton solidifies Test place ahead of Ashes opener
Ollie Pope struck a composed century in England's Ashes warm-up match in Perth on Friday, reinforcing his selection for the first Test against Australia on 21 November, while Harry Brook's promotion to vice-captain was overshadowed by his dismissive batting display.
Top-order batsmen capitalize on placid conditions
England's top order seized the opportunity for match practice at Lilac Hill, where a flat pitch bore little resemblance to the expected challenges at Optus Stadium. Ben Duckett (92) and Zak Crawley (82) set the tone with an aggressive 182-run opening stand, scoring at over six runs per over in the morning session. Duckett survived an early chance when Lions' fielder Ben McKinney dropped a slip catch off Matthew Potts.
After a mid-innings collapse-losing four wickets for 16 runs-Pope and captain Ben Stokes (77) stabilized the innings with a 137-run partnership. Pope's 100, marked by patience, contrasted sharply with Brook's reckless two-ball dismissal, which included attempted scoops against seamers before a miscued advance to Nathan Gilchrist.
"It was nice to spend some time in the middle. Quite a few of the boys got runs there, so I'm pleased with the day. We're doing everything we can with what we've got, and we're going to be ready next week."
Zak Crawley, speaking to Test Match Special
Root's struggles and Brook's promotion
Joe Root, under scrutiny for his lack of Test centuries in Australia, managed just one run before hooking Potts to mid-wicket. His form-having not passed 25 in three New Zealand ODIs-remains a concern. Brook, newly appointed vice-captain, failed to justify his promotion with a dismissive innings, though Stokes had earlier called for "balls-to-the-wall" intensity.
Jamie Smith (6) also missed out, edging a return catch to Gilchrist, while the Lions' Shoaib Bashir dismissed Stokes after the skipper's watchful 77. England finished on 426 in response to the Lions' 375, a total revised from Thursday's initial score of 382.
Wood's injury casts doubt on pace attack
Fast bowler Mark Wood, who left the field on Thursday with left hamstring tightness, underwent a scan on Friday. His potential absence could force a rethink of England's all-pace strategy, particularly after spinners Bashir (12 overs, 0-71) and Will Jacks (10 overs, 1-61) struggled for control. Bashir conceded nearly a run per ball, while Jacks, recovering from a broken finger, lacked rhythm.
Potts shines amid Ashes squad uncertainty
Matthew Potts, playing for the Lions but part of England's Ashes squad, was the standout bowler with 3-66. Though ranked lowest in the pecking order among England's six seamers, his performance-including the dismissal of Root-bolstered his case should Wood's injury sideline him. Potts bowled with more menace than his figures suggested, consistently testing the batters.
Final preparations before first Test
England will bowl again on Saturday, with Root and Brook potentially seeking additional batting time. The value of this warm-up will only become clear in Perth next week, but Pope's century and Stokes' return to form after a four-month shoulder layoff provided rare positives. The team's readiness hinges on Wood's fitness and whether the batsmen can transition from Lilac Hill's docile conditions to the expected pace and bounce of Optus Stadium.
