Young Pope dubbed as ‘new War

Australian Lloyd Pope`s record-breaking eight-wicket spell at the Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday.
Australian Lloyd Pope`s record-breaking eight-wicket spell at the Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday.

Australian Lloyd Pope's record-breaking eight-wicket spell at the Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday has left the leg-spinner “on top of the world”, as the feat sparks comparisons to the legendary Shane Warne.

Pope took eight for 35 against England to spin Australia into the semi-finals and set a new benchmark at the youth tournament, which is currently under way in New Zealand.

“I always love playing for my country whether I'm taking wickets or not, so going out there and doing it with some really good mates is an awesome experience,” a beaming Pope told reporters.

“I was on top of the world really today. I mean to win a quarter final is awesome,” he added.

The 18-year-old came into the attack with England cruising at 47 without loss as they chased Australia's modest total of 127.

But, just as Warne did on numerous occasions, Pope soaked up the pressure and bamboozled England's batsmen to have them all out for 96.

“I've always loved to bowl wrong'uns from an early age,” Pope said when asked about his lethal googly.

“It's a big part of my game and I love bowling variations and just working on new things in the nets.”