Ollie Pope's century against India in the first Test at Leeds has not only steered England's fightback but has also reaffirmed his determination to keep improving his game. Speaking after the third day's play, Pope reflected on his innings and his mindset amidst external scrutiny.

Pope's innings was crucial in responding to India's dominant start, particularly after they posted a formidable 471 in their first innings. England found themselves in a tricky situation early on, but Pope, coming in at number three, steadied the ship and ultimately propelled England to a competitive score of 465. His century, a masterful display of resilience and skill, included 13 boundaries and came off 125 balls, proving his ability to perform under pressure. He shared a century-plus stand with Ben Duckett, further solidifying England's position in the game.

Despite the praise and accolades, Pope remains grounded, emphasizing his focus on continuous improvement. "I've tried not to let it affect me too much," Pope said, referring to external opinions and pressures. He added, "I've just been trying to make sure my game's in as good a place as possible, and when I get in, I try to make sure I make the most of it. I've tried to let the outside noise do its thing and make sure my game keeps improving, and that I get my headspace in as good a place as possible, too."

This mindset reflects a conscious effort to block out distractions and concentrate on the process of building an innings. Pope mentioned that he's been working on trusting his game more and avoiding the pressure of having to quickly reach a certain score to feel settled. Instead, he's focusing on enjoying the process of building an innings, allowing him to play with more freedom and confidence.

Notably, Pope had a slice of luck during his innings, being dropped on 60 by Yashasvi Jaiswal. He also narrowly avoided an lbw decision earlier in his innings. He capitalized on these reprieves, demonstrating the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.

This century is particularly significant for Pope, who had faced criticism for his inconsistent performances, especially after a disappointing away series against India in 2024 where he followed a strong start with low scores in the subsequent Tests. This innings is a statement of intent, signaling his determination to secure his place as England's number three batter. "It's early in the series, and there's a lot of stuff to be done," he commented. "I think my approach is just trying to take each game as it comes and, yeah, hopefully, continue cementing that spot."

Looking ahead, Pope acknowledged the importance of the upcoming sessions in the Test match and the series. He also highlighted the valuable contributions from England's lower order, which helped reduce India's lead.

Ben Duckett, Pope's teammate, expressed his admiration for Pope's innings, saying he had "goosebumps" watching him bat. Duckett emphasized Pope's importance to the team and his ability to alleviate pressure with his quick scoring. This sentiment reflects the high regard Pope is held in within the England dressing room and the positive impact his performance has on the team's morale.