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Australian spinner Pope single-handedly dismantles England in quarters

ENGLAND were routed by Australian leg-spinner Lloyd Pope in their Under-19 World Cup quarter-final in Queenstown today.

Pope produced a remarkable spell to claim eight for 35, single-handedly sealing the tie.

England appeared to be cruising to victory at 47 without loss chasing a winning target of just 128, but Pope ripped up the script with the best figures in the tournament’s history.

“You always have to have belief to win the game,” Pope said afterwards.

“All the boys have worked so hard for this and we never gave up. That’s the true spirit of all the boys. I always love playing for my country and to take some wickets was really awesome.”

The 18-year-old’s stunning intervention immediately conjured memories of another box-office Australian leg-spinner who tormented England,  Shane Warne.

The Ashes great has met and worked with the teenager and took to Twitter to congratulate him.

“This is terrific & brings a huge smile to my face,” he wrote.

“I had the pleasure of meeting this impressive young man in Adelaide a while ago. Was nice to have a bowl with him too — Lloyd give it a rip — well done and congrats. Spin to win my friend.”

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