England seem likely to stick with Ollie Pope at No. 3 for the first Ashes Test in Perth, despite indications that his spot was under threat from Jacob Bethell. Their plans for next week’s warm-up match against the England Lions suggest Pope will be retained when the first Test gets underway.
England to “Go Hard” in Lions Warm-Up Match
Speaking to England’s official channels, batter Harry Brook revealed that head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes urged players to treat the three-day practice match against the Lions with full intensity.
“We’re going hard, we’re going to go 100%, we’re going to try and beat them,” Brook said. “It’s good preparation playing against some of the best players in England ahead of the Ashes.”
The Lions have brought an 18-man touring group to Australia and some members of the senior England squad are expected to feature.
Pope Likely to Continue at No. 3
There has been speculation over Ollie Pope’s position at No. 3 since Jacob Bethell’s strong performances against New Zealand last year, which included three half-centuries in his debut series. The decision to take the vice-captaincy away from Pope and give it to Brook in recent weeks had fanned the flames over potential changes at the top of the order.
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Yet, ahead of the Perth Test, England’s assistant coach Marcus Trescothick indicated the batting order would remain unchanged.
“I’m presuming the same sort of No. 3 we’ve had for a period of time,” Trescothick told BBC Sport. “We are a very consistent team in what we’re trying to do.”
Selection unlikely to depend on warm-up performances
Trescothick also played down the Lions match as having any bearing on ultimate team selection.
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“It’s definitely not going to change dramatically before the start of an Ashes series because someone gets 150 or takes five wickets,” he said. “The team has been what it has been for a reason so that when you come to big series, you’re settled and confident.”
This suggests Ollie Pope remains firmly in England’s plans as their No. 3 for the Ashes opener.
Perth Conditions Offer Key Preparation Opportunity
Since their arrival in Perth, England have been training at Lilac Hill, home of Midland-Guildford CC. Though Brook acknowledged the practice wickets there are far removed from those they will encounter at Optus Stadium, he stressed the importance of time in the middle ahead of the Test.
“It’s completely different here,” Brook said. “The pitches are slow and low, but it’s a perfect opportunity to get some time in the middle before the first Test.”
England’s coaches seem decided on continuity of selection for the Ashes opener in Perth, outside pressure and emerging competition notwithstanding, Ollie Pope seems likely to retain his No. 3 spot-a sign of England’s faith in stability ahead of one of cricket’s most iconic contests.
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