[Watch] Ollie Pope takes a stunner to dismiss Kavem Hodge in the 1st Test against West Indies
England player Ollie Pope showed his lighting reflexes to dismiss Kavem Hodge in the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s. England won the toss and chose to bowl first in the first game of a three-match test series. This is the last game for England’s legendary pacer, James Anderson.
Right-handed batter Kavem smashed the short and outside off delivery with full power off the backfoot on the third ball of Chris Woakes' 36th over. In a catching position very close to the point, Pope snapped quickly to his left to take a blinder. The West Indian batter was on his knees, unable to believe his luck while Pope, who had made an outstanding grab, appeared shocked.
Here’s the video of the catch:
It was a very crucial wicket in the context of the game, as the West Indian batters were struggling at the crease. Kavem Hodge was looking to score consistently but a brilliant fielding effort from Pope cut his innings short.
The right-handed batter scored 24 off 48 balls as the West Indian team lost their way early in the game.
Debutant Gus Atkinson takes seven wickets as West Indies bundled on 121 in the first innings
Ben Stokes won the toss and asked the West Indies to bat first in cloudy, overcast conditions. With all the hype around James Anderson playing his last game, it was debutant Gus Atkinson who stole the show.
The right-arm pacer took seven wickets in the innings as the West Indies were bowled out on 121 under 42 overs. It was the third-best figures on a debut for an English player. Another debutant, Mikyle Louis (27), was the highest scorer for Kraigg Braithwaite’s side.
Meanwhile, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, and Ben Stokes took one wicket each as England got an early grip on the game.