England’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, expressed his surprise at the sparse crowd at Lord’s on Sunday as his team secured a decisive series win over Sri Lanka. Despite the significant achievement, Pope noted the unexpectedly low attendance, which contrasted with the excitement of the series conclusion. The empty seats stood out as a stark backdrop to the team’s triumph, leaving Pope and the squad to reflect on the unusual turnout amidst their successful campaign.
Ollie Pope Surprised by Sparse Crowd:
While the first three days of the Test saw the stands near full capacity with 31,000 spectators, attendance dropped significantly to about 9,000 on the fourth day. England clinched a commanding 190-run victory after tea, securing a 2-0 series lead with one match remaining. This lower turnout was a surprising contrast to Lord’s usual bustling crowds, given its reputation as the ‘Home of Cricket.’
The reduced attendance might be attributed to ticket prices, which on Sunday morning started at £95 ($125) for adults, although tickets for Under-16s were available for £15. This pricing issue could have deterred many fans, impacting the traditionally high attendance at the iconic ground.
England’s July Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, which ended in a swift three-day 3-0 series sweep, may have influenced lower advance ticket sales for the fourth day of this match. Stand-in captain Ollie Pope certainly felt the absence of spectators, as the sparse crowd was noticeably different from the usual high attendance at Lord’s.
He said, “ It was kind of weird. I think a few of us have been strolling in each day and it was just like ‘jeez, it seems quiet today’. I’m not sure if people expected the game to be done by day four or not.”
England Players Shines in Lords:
Gus Atkinson continued his impressive form at Lord’s with a five-wicket haul on Sunday, adding to his memorable debut where he notched his first-class century during England’s first innings. Atkinson’s remarkable performance included 12 wickets in his debut Test against the West Indies at Lord’s in July. Meanwhile, Joe Root made headlines with twin centuries in this match, setting a new England record with 34 centuries in his Test career. Root’s achievement further solidifies his status as one of England’s greatest batsmen.
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