Ollie Pope Under Pressure as England Fight to Save the Ashes 2025-26

Ollie Pope faced a pivotal moment in Adelaide as England's Ashes campaign teetered. The 27-year-old batsman, long seen as a backbone of the line-up, again struggled to deliver when his team needed a defining innings.

What happened in Adelaide

On day two, Pope fell early, leaving England chasing a difficult target and fragile momentum. A Cameron Green delivery narrowly clipped leg stump in a review-worthy moment that could have sparked a different mood in the stands.

Pope's form and the number three role

After a promising 46 in Perth, Pope's form has drifted, with a string of low scores since. In 24 World Test Championship matches, his average per dismissal sits around 29, and his year has featured a mix of single-figure scores and three centuries.

Record against Australia and recent trends

Against Australia, Pope has gone 15 innings without a fifty and averages just over 17, a trend England cannot ignore in this series. His rhythm and confidence have been the subject of discussion as calls for a potential reshuffle grow louder.

England's options and leadership views

Captain Ben Stokes has publicly defended Pope in the past, arguing for patience with the number three batsman, though the role's numbers have slipped below forty for the first time since 2022. There has also been talk of the 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, who filled the same spot during last year's tour of New Zealand, potentially stepping in if a change is made.

Some discussions have included adjusting the keeper role to allow Bethell to remain in the top order, while Pope has been considered as a potential wicketkeeper option in recent weeks. Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested moving Pope down the order to open space for a specialist keeper, though no final call has been made.

Expert reaction

Expert comment: Dawid Malan says Pope should bat at his own pace and reset when anxiety rises, stressing that calmness often unlocks better timings. He adds that overthinking can lead to hurried shots and mistimed edges.

Summary

The road back for Pope hinges on one composed, high-quality innings in Melbourne, backed by a team plan that blends experience with fresh options. England must balance loyalty with a clear path to stabilising the middle order. If Pope finds his rhythm, England's chances in the series improve markedly.

Key insight: Pope's revival at number three is the decisive factor for England's Ashes hopes this winter. BBC Sport

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