England thumped Sri Lanka in the second Test by 194 runs to clinch the series 2-0. The win helps them keep their record of winning all the matches in a summer for the first time in 20 years.
But the Pundits didn’t really give much credit to their stand-in captain, Ollie Pope. In fact, Pope was heavily criticized for his lack of batting form. The 26-year-old struggled in every inning of the first two Tests, scoring 6, 6, 1, and 17, respectively. Former captains like Michael Vaughan were harsh on Pope, even calling him an ‘insecure human being.’
After the magisterial win, Pope sat with Cribuzz and discussed the match and the criticisms he has been receiving. Pope is hopeful to regain the form in the third and final Test.
“I’m not going to hide behind the fact that I’ve had two poor games with the bat. That’s the way cricket is sometimes, and form comes and goes. But I think the best players are the ones who can draw a line under it and have a fresh start next week. Hopefully, I can put a score together.
“The last two games I’ve had, they’re learning games for me. It definitely is something that I’m still trying to improve in my game, and obviously the way that I start my innings especially is something that I want to keep on improving – and then when I do get in, it’s trying to cash in as well.”
Ollie Pope Not Surprised By the Harsh Criticisms
Though some of the criticisms went out of the board, Pope isn’t surprised by it.
“I’m not surprised. Chatting to Stokesy before this series, when you’re captain as well, you’re going to attract a lot more [criticism]. To be honest, it is just important to block it out and keep staying close with the people around you. There’s a lot of voices, a lot of guys who want to have their say – some past cricketers as well – and that’s completely fine.”
England will face Lanka in the final Test, which starts at the Oval on September 6.
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