Ollie Pope's Test Career Under Threat: Why England Might Look For An Alternative

Anurag Dasgupta

Why Pope should be dropped [Source: AFP Photo] Why Pope should be dropped [Source: AFP Photo]

Another important Test match, and another failure from England's number 3, Ollie Pope. England needed their key batter to stay till the end in a tricky run-chase against India at the Oval, but he once again failed to deliver the goods and left his team in a precarious situation. It won't be an understatement to say that Pope's time has perhaps come to an end in England squad.

For some reason, England have given him a longer rope in red-ball cricket, but he hasn't grabbed the opportunity with both hands.  Here are some of the key reasons as to why Ben Stokes should make the bold call to drop Ollie Pope.

1) Ollie Pope's Test Stats Are Mediocre, To Say The Least

The Surrey batter was given a longer rope in Test cricket, but even after playing 60 Tests, he is yet to justify his selection in the squad. 

Criterion
Data
Matches60
Runs3558
Average35.58

(Pope stats before Oval Test)

60 matches, and just 3558 runs, at 35.58, these are average numbers for someone who has played for so long. England could get a better option at number 3, someone with runs on his back. In the ongoing Test series vs India, the veteran batter has scored just 306 runs, with just a solitary quality knock in the series.

2) Pope's Knack For Crumbling Under Pressure

Pope is a curious case for the English team. He possesses all the talent in the world, but the batter often crumbles under pressure. For starters, his average in the second innings of a Test match is just 16.70. This showcases that when the situation gets tough, Pope runs out of ideas and fails to deliver the goods. Interestingly, in 60 Tests, he has zero centuries to his name.

Pope should understand that Test match is not only about going for big shots, but it is about surviving the tricky phase, and steer the team through.

Pope's replacement already in the England team?

Yes, Pope's long-term replacement is already on the team, and is currently playing against India. Jacob Bethell, the dynamic left-handed batter, is the one who should replace Pope at number 3. 

Bethell had a dream start to his Test career against New Zealand, scoring 260 runs in 3 matches, at an average of 52. The left-hander looked completely sorted at number 3 on that tour, and he should be the one to replace Pope at that spot.