Ollie Pope's Ashes Struggles Put England's Place at Risk

Ollie Pope's form faded again at the Adelaide Oval, stalling England's hopes in the Ashes. The number three's dismissal on day two added to a growing sense that a crucial opportunity had slipped away.

Having started the series with a composed 46 in Perth, Pope's rhythm vanished in Brisbane and Adelaide. A tight lbw call off Cameron Green would have clipped leg stump, and a wild shot in the same spell hinted at the vulnerabilities that have resurfaced in this phase of the tour.

Struggling when England needed runs

In Brisbane, a bruising spell tested Pope’s nerve: a short ball unsettled him, an lbw appeal loomed, and a hurried waft betrayed his nerves. The following over, Nathan Lyon teased him again, drawing him into a defensive edge to mid-off before he attempted a flick to mid-wicket and surrendered his wicket.

The sequence underscored a fragile start to the series. Pope, who began the tour with calm, has looked unsettled since leaving Perth.

Context and stats

Since his memorable 196 against India in Hyderabad in 2024, Pope has found big-match runs elusive. His average as England’s number three sits at 39.96 after 64 Tests, a dip from his early peaks. Across 24 Tests against World Test Championship opponents, he averages 28.83 runs per dismissal, a mix of significant innings and a string of single-figure scores.

Against Australia, he has faced 15 innings without a fifty, averaging 17.66. Only one Englishman, MJK Smith from the 1960s, has faced Australia so often without reaching fifty.

Where England stands and potential changes

England have openly debated Pope’s role: speculation has linked a return for young Jacob Bethell, who featured at number three last year but has since played little red-ball cricket. If Bethell returns, Pope would need to prove he can hold his place with form and reliability.

There has also been talk about the wicketkeeping role. In six Tests as keeper, Pope averages 45.60 with the bat, a historic best for an England gloveman in 132 years. Some observers have floated moving Pope down to four and keeping; others warn that would be a radical shift.

With Melbourne up next, England could still use both Pope and Bethell if Jamie Smith’s lean run persists, though that would require careful management and close monitoring.

Management has acknowledged the possibility of changes while emphasizing patience, making Pope's next innings potentially decisive for his place in the side.

Expert perspective

Expert comment: Dawid Malan says players under pressure often over-try and that the best fix is to slow things down and reset. He emphasizes playing at one's own pace to regain rhythm.

The high point of Pope's England career remains his 196 against India in Hyderabad in 2024, a knock that signalled his talent on the global stage.

Across 24 Tests against World Test Championship sides, Pope has shown both the promise of his peak and the fragility of his form, a pattern that England will hope to reverse in Melbourne.

• Injury history includes a 2023 shoulder dislocation that briefly interrupted his Ashes campaign, shaping the trajectory of his development.
• Selector discussions have kept faith in Pope at times, while also considering Bethell's return and a possible keep-first approach if Smith's form does not improve.

With 64 Tests under his belt, and 34 as England's number three, Pope faces a crucial outing in Melbourne to solidify his long-term role in the team.

Key insight: Melbourne will be a watershed for Pope; his ability to anchor a vital partnership under pressure could determine England’s Ashes fate. BBC Sport

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