sport news BUMBLE ON THE TEST: Ollie Pope's emergence in his 25th Test has been superb trends now BUMBLE ON THE TEST: Ollie Pope's emergence in his 25th Test has been superb, while Ben Foakes' calmness has really benefitted England The emergence of Ollie Pope in his 25th Test is a major boost for England Ben Foakes' calmness at the crease has also been a significant positive Ben Stokes has demonstrated a calm assurance as England's captain By David Lloyd for the Daily Mail Published: 19:10 BST, 13 June 2022 | Updated: 20:29 BST, 13 June 2022 Viewcomments England have the chance to secure a comeback against New Zealand going into the final day of the second Test. There were plenty of positives to take from proceedings for England, including the performance of Ollie Pope. Sportsmail's DAVID LLOYD offers his thoughts and insights on the day's play. Ollie Pope made a major impact in his 25th Test - it's fantastic to have seen his emergence FEELING JOLLY ABOUT OLLIE It’s been great to see the emergence of Ollie Pope in his 25th Test. Have England at last found a player to fill the problem No 3 spot? In my opinion, there’s another good’un waiting out there, Yorkshire’s Harry Brook, who good judges are saying is the real deal. And keep an eye on his team-mate George Hill, a 21-year-old opener from Keighley. FOAKES LOOKS THE BUSINESS Someone who’s quietly going about his business is Ben Foakes. There’s always a bit of noise about what do England want from their wicketkeeper, but he is a wonderful gloveman, and his calmness at the crease has really benefited England. He seems an intelligent cricketer who can assess a situation, and was quite happy in this game to play second fiddle to Root, just as he did in the run-chase at Lord’s. Ben Foakes has gone about his business quietly and his calmness has benefited England BEN'S GOT TEAM BUZZING There looks to be a real buzz in the field under Ben Stokes. Joe Root is like a spring chicken after his release from the captaincy, and almost after every over Stokes, Broad and Anderson get together and look busy with their planning. So far, Stokes has actually shown a calm assurance as captain, which is totally against what is perceived to be his character. And it appears to be infectious. Ben Stokes has shown a calm assurance as captain, which appears to be infectious MORRIS MEN ARE HONEST... After my mention of the Knaresborough bed race, I wondered whether I’d mentioned horn-blowing in Ripon? Then ther’s long-sword dancing in Goathland, which in turn may be surpassed by the coal-carrying championships of Gawthorp. That reminds me of the time I was in a pub in Cartmel and saw some Morris dancers in full regalia having a pint. I asked if they’d just finished. To which one of them said: ‘You don’t think we do this sober, do you?’ POOR ETHEL AND ERNIE As the game went through a quiet period on Monday, my thoughts turned to holidays, and that classic TV show A Place in the Sun. Does anybody ever buy one? Typically, you’ll have Ethel and Ernie from Chingford, with 65 grand to spend on a property in Marbella. They’re on the balcony, overlooking the ocean, when Ethel says: ‘I could see myself here sat watching the sun go down with a gin and tonic.’ Looking at them, I would say rather than sat on your own doorstep with a can of White Lightning shouting at next door’s kids… CONWAY SHOWS HIS CLASS The third innings in a Test match can often be vulnerable for the batting side, and New Zealand had a tricky period against Broad and Anderson before lunch on day four. It was cloudy, the lights were on, and the ball was nipping around all over the place after the early demise of Tom Latham. But Devon Conway played with great skill, and pulled off some lovely reverse sweeps after lunch off Jack Leach. Devon Conway played with great skill and pulled off some lovely reverse sweeps after lunch CLASSIC CARS I’m a sucker for classic cars. I’m just coming to the end of a full restoration of a Land Rover Defender. It’s ready some time this week. I’ll be using it to combat the highways and byways of North Yorkshire’s many villages. I am so excited. If I smoked – a filthy habit, by the way – I would definitely pass my fags around. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility