Pope hails ‘massive confidence boost’ after mammoth stand with Duckett

England's Ollie Pope (right) shared a 252-run second-wicket partnership with Ben Duckett on the way to a maiden Test double century. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Ollie Pope said England’s batters had received a “massive confidence boost” before the Ashes after a record-breaking second day against Ireland in which he and Ben Duckett put on a 252-run second-wicket partnership and the home side declared on 524 for four.

“There’s no denying that Australia’s attack is stronger than Ireland’s,” said Pope, who reached his maiden Test double century at nearly a run a ball. “But scoring runs at Lord’s and scoring runs in Test matches is a habit, a good habit to get into early.”