ICC U-19 World Cup: Australia make semis thanks to Lloyd Pope’s ‘miracle’ spell against England
Lloyd Pope produced something of a cricketing miracle on Tuesday as he took tournament record figures of eight wickets for 35 to bowl Australia into the semi-finals of the under-19 cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
The 18-year-old’s haul was even more impressive considering the fact that his side had been dismissed for 127 in the 34th over of their quarter-final against England, who were cruising to victory at 47 without loss after seven overs.
Pope, however, was then thrown the ball by captain Jason Sangha and he proceeded to run amok, taking two wickets in his first over off successive balls.
“Sangh (Sangha) put me on pretty early,” Pope told reporters after England were bowled out for 96, despite opener Tom Banton scoring 58. “I like putting myself in pressure scenarios, I feel like I bowl better under pressure. Sangh throwing me the ball gives me a bit of confidence that my captain is trying to advance the game and for me to land the ball in there straight away and take wickets, I love those scenarios in the game.”
Pope said despite the fact his side had scored such a paltry total at the Queenstown Events Centre, no-one believed they would …read more