Former Aussies captain Ian Chappel highlights the weakness of the current England stand-by captain, Ollie Pope.
The next Ashes, which is down under in 2025-26, will have the arch-rivals England and Australia go horn to horn in Australia. Australia will also travel to England this month for a 3-match T20I and 5-match ODI series.
‘In Danger Of Becoming the Polar Opposite of Joe Root’: Ian Chappel on Ollie Pope
Chappel thinks that Ollie Pope needs a more convincing knock from away soils to cement his position at No. 3. He also thinks that ‘Pope is in danger of becoming the polar opposite of Joe Root’.
“Despite playing a meaningful innings against a moderate Sri Lankan attack, Ollie Pope needs more convincing knocks away from his home ground to prove he’s a substantial No. 3 batter. Otherwise, Pope is in danger of becoming the polar opposite of Joe Root – a capable captain with a feel for the job but an inconsistent batter.”
Pope had a bad start in batting as a captain, mostly scoring single digits in the first two Tests. But he came back strong in the third match with an amazing knock of 157. But Chappel points out Pope’s bad form in Australia last time.
“Batting in the middle order, Pope had a poor last tour of Australia and should be considered a potential weakness. It’s not just his renowned skittishness that should interest the Australian pace bowlers, there are also some technical flaws that can be exploited,” he added.
The England tour of Australia will kick off on September 11.
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