Lloyd Pope, the next Shane Warne?
18-year-old Australian leg spinner, Lloyd Pope has been the toast of the cricketing world for his record-breaking 8/35 figures at the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup. Pope's heroics helped the Australian side win over England to seal their spot in the semi-finals. The youngster's feat has drawn comparisons to Aussie legend, Shane Warne and is being hailed as a Warne-esque spell. Here's more.
Lloyd Pope, player profile
Lloyd Pope is a leg-break spinner, who plays for the Australian national U-19 team. Born in Melbourne, Pope plays at SACA (South Australian Cricket Academy) premier club Kensington and made his first-class debut at 16 years of age. He took the most-number of wickets during last season's U-17 and U-19 national championships and was Australia's leading wicket-taker in an U-19 series against Sri Lanka.
Pope's 8/35 against England in the quarterfinals
While Pope did not have a great outing in the first couple of World Cup games, against India (0/22) and Zimbabwe (2/31), he shone through in the quarterfinal against England garnering cricket world's attention. Defending a modest total of 127, Australia brought Pope into attack when England were 47/0. The leggie in no-time bowled-out the rivals for 96, picking up eight wickets.
Best figures ever at an U-19 WC
Pope's 8/35 are the best ever bowling figures at the U-19 World Cup tournament. The second best figures are also by an Australian Jason Ralston 7/15, against Papua New Guinea at the 2018 World Cup.
This is what Shane Warne had to say to Pope
Shane Warne himself in awe of the youngster's brilliance tweeted, "This is terrific & brings a huge smile to my face. I had the pleasure of meeting this impressive young man in Adelaide a while ago ! Was nice to have a bowl with him too - Lloyd give it a rip - well done & Congrats ! Spin to win my friend."
