Ollie Pope says the threat to his place in England’s Test side has forced him to prepare more thoroughly for the Ashes, as he aims to improve on a poor 15.70 average against Australia.
Pope has seen his No.3 position challenged, with Jacob Bethell’s century and 90 in England’s only warm-up appearance all but sealing Bethell’s inclusion for Friday’s first Test in Perth. Pope’s previous Ashes tour in 2021/22 produced just 67 runs across six innings (average 11.16), his best score 35, and he was dropped after the opening two Tests before returning for the final match.
The 27-year-old says that living with selection pressure has been constructive. He told reporters that knowing he can perform under scrutiny has boosted his confidence: “It’s shown me that under the most pressure I can still deliver. I know I can handle that and get the best out of myself.”
Pope added that being aware someone is always close behind in selection has become part of his routine. He said he doesn’t seek out those conversations but has learned to accept them and use the pressure to drive his preparation and performance.
Reflecting on the last Ashes tour, Pope admitted he was dropped because he hadn’t been clear enough in how he wanted to play and hadn’t adapted to the conditions. That experience, he said, has taught him how to bat on Australian surfaces and given him greater clarity about his approach.
“I’ve probably learned more about batting on these pitches,” he said. “Playing big series and getting used to these games helps. I’ve played 61 Tests now and have that experience in the bank. There are players experiencing Australia for the first time, so part of my role is to lean on them and share what I know about an Ashes tour.”
Pope has captained England in five Tests when Ben Stokes was unavailable, but he lost the vice-captaincy ahead of this series, with Harry Brook named as Test vice-captain. Managing director of cricket Rob Key described Brook as “a better leader,” and Pope said he respected the decision and supported what the selectors think is best for the team.
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