Ollie Pope not alone: England underperformers who could be dropped after disastrous Ashes

ENG players who should be dropped from Tests [Source: AFP Photo]

The Ashes 2025 was set to be an even contest between the hosts, Australia, and the visitors, England, but with three matches done and dusted, the series is already sealed as the Aussies have an unassailable lead of 3-0. England had their opportunities in all three Tests, but the Three Lions failed to seize them as they now aim to avoid a whitewash.

Their batting and bowling departments worked in bits and pieces, but overall, the Australian side was dominant, as the visitors aimed to win the MCG and SCG Test matches to salvage some pride. Several players from their side have underperformed, and they could face the ECB’s wrath after the series.

The entire team failed as a unit but here are three England stars who could be dropped from the Test team after the Ashes.

1) Ollie Pope

One of the most inconsistent performers in the England team, Ollie Pope has had an underwhelming Test career by his standards, and the ongoing Ashes series proves the statement right. He has scored the least runs amongst all the English batters in the side and has been struggling this year at the number 3 spot.

(Pope vs Australia in Ashes)

• Just 125 runs in three Tests with an average of 20 define Pope’s journey in the ongoing series. He has looked vulnerable at the number 3 spot and was also dropped from the fourth Test at MCG as Jacob Bethell replaced him.
• Ironically, he has fewer runs than Mitch Starc in the ongoing Ashes and it showcases his form in Tests as the Aussies have exploited his weaknesses.
• Moreover, this year he has only scored 602 runs in Tests, at an average of just 37.63, and perhaps time has come for England to drop him.

---

ALSO READ

Jacob Bethell turns head after wearing Ashes Trophy-themed undergarment

---

2) Will Jacks

Will Jacks is a curious case for the England side. Generally, he is a top-order batter, but he has been batting down the order as the opening slot is full. He has been used as a front-line spinner in place of Shoaib Bashir, but that move also failed in the ongoing series.

(Jacks vs Australia)

• 113 runs in 2 Tests may not sound that bad, but Jacks struggled to score runs after getting settled at the crease, and moreover, his spin-bowling looked innefective.
• If England want a lone spinner in their ranks, Shoaib Bashir is the answer, and the team also has a plethora of batting options down the order. Hence, if England want Jacks in the side, they should accommodate him at the top, and if not, the player should be dropped to get a better option.

3) Mark Wood

England’s fastest bowler, Mark Wood, has been an injury-prone prospect for the England side in Test cricket. He constantly clocks over 145 km/h, and this puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders and legs and at 35, his body is not getting any younger.

In the last two years, Wood has only played in seven Tests, and this has affected England’s combination. Even in the ongoing Ashes, he took part in the first Test and was ruled out of the rest of the tour. Instead of carrying an injury-prone bowler on every tour, perhaps England should look to groom a youngster and not rely on Wood anymore.

Final verdict

England have been horrendous in the ongoing BBL season, and three of their underperforming players need to be dropped after the Ashes against the Aussies. England need to rejig their squad, and by dropping the likes of Wood, Jacks, and Pope, England should give a statement that underperformers are not welcomed in the team.

---

ALSO READ

Josh Tongue ends England's 27-year wait for a Boxing Day five-fer

---