Ollie Pope Faces One Final Chance as Ashes Run Drought Deepens
England's Ollie Pope battles a familiar slump in Adelaide, with one last chance to salvage his No.3 spot as England hunt a fresh approach in the Ashes, with Melbourne's Test looming.
Ollie Pope faced a crucial moment in Adelaide as England's Ashes bid hung in the balance after another early departure on day two of the third Test.
Having impressed earlier in the series with a fifty in Perth, the 27-year-old batsman now confronts a familiar slump that could decide England's fate in Australia.
Moments that defined Pope's day
He fell early, with a decision that went against him just when a careful innings was needed. The lbw appeal against a straight ball from Cameron Green narrowly clipped the leg stump, only to be given out, a sliding doors moment in a tight contest.
Bowling pressure and a familiar pattern
Earlier in the over from Scott Boland, Pope endured a hostile spell: a bouncing delivery severely unsettled him, an lbw scare loomed, and a wild waft added to the nerves. In the following over he drove Nathan Lyon to mid-off and then flicked to mid-wicket for a tame dismissal, a snapshot of the wobble that's plagued his run in the series.
Context and team debate
England's management has floated options, including the possibility of replacing Pope with 21-year-old Jacob Bethell, though Bethell had limited recent top-level batting exposure. Captain Ben Stokes defended Pope's past record at No.3, but the numbers show a downturn—his average as first drop slipped below 40 for the first time since 2022.
Pope's value with the gloves also features in the conversation. As a stand-in wicketkeeper, he has averaged 45.60 across six Tests, a record among England keepers in more than a century, underscoring his all-round contribution even when his batting falters.
There remains a possibility that both Pope and Bethell could feature again in Melbourne, depending on how the selectors balance the batting order with Jamie Smith's form behind the stumps.
After 64 Tests overall and 34 at No.3, Pope now has one final chance to cement his position in the XI as Melbourne approaches.
Expert view: Dawid Malan, a former England batter, said Pope may be pressing too hard and would benefit from slowing his tempo to regain rhythm, with a moment to reset if nerves rise.
In summary, Pope faces a make-or-break moment in Melbourne. If he can reset and play at his own pace, he could stabilize England's top order and retain the No.3 slot. If not, England may need to consider a reshuffle that could alter the course of the Ashes in Australia.
Key insight: The key to Pope’s future with England rests on calming his approach and rebuilding confidence at the crease; a measured start in Melbourne could determine whether he remains in the team for the Ashes. Source: BBC Sport
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