Ollie Pope feels pressure on his place in the England XI has made him more prepared than ever for the Ashes, as he looks to improve on a poor average of 15.70 against Australia.
Pope’s No.3 spot has been threatened by Jacob Bethell, but Bethell’s knocks of 100 and 90 in England’s sole warm-up have all but guaranteed his selection for Friday’s first Test in Perth. The Surrey batter managed just 67 runs across six innings (average 11.16) when England lost 4-0 in the 2021/22 away Ashes, with a top score of 35.
The 27-year-old was dropped after the first two Tests on that tour before being recalled for the final match. Speaking to reporters, Pope — who has been replaced as Test vice-captain by Harry Brook — said the battle to retain his spot has been useful.
“It’s been good for me to have learned that under the most pressure, I’ve been able to deliver,” he said. “I know I can deal with that and get the best out of myself at times. Everyone wants to be the first name on the team-sheet, that’s pretty clear, but at the same time we’re playing international sport.
“I’ve got to remind myself of that at times, that there’s always going to be someone on your heels if you haven’t quite scored the volume of runs that you would have liked. I’ve got so used to those conversations being had and seeing them. I don’t go looking for them but it’s pretty hard to avoid sometimes.
“I’m learning to live with it and put my best foot forward. I’ll try and use the pressures that I’m under and make sure I get the best out of myself.”
Pope added that his experience has helped him prepare for Australian conditions. “I got dropped pretty quickly in the last [away Ashes] series and rightly so at the time. I just wasn’t as clear how I wanted to play. I didn’t know my game well enough and I didn’t know the conditions like I thought I might have known them.
“I think I’ve probably learnt how to bat a bit more on these pitches. Growing up and getting used to playing these big series and games helps. For me, I’ve got complete clarity in how I want to go. I’ve played 61 Tests now… I’ve got that in the bank. There are guys experiencing places like Australia for the first time and my senior spot in the team is about leaning on those guys and helping them out because I have experienced what an Ashes tour can be like.”
Pope has led England in five Tests when Ben Stokes was absent due to injury, but lost the vice-captaincy ahead of this series. Managing director of cricket Rob Key said white-ball skipper Brook is “a better leader.” Pope said he respected the decision. “If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward, with Brooky captaining the one-day stuff and the T20 stuff as well, then that’s absolutely fine by me. I respect the decision they’ve made.”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26 (all times UK and Ireland)
– First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth
– Second Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane
– Third Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide Oval
– Fourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground
– Fifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground