Why Zak Crawley And Ollie Pope Could Be Snubbed From England Playing XI In 4th Test

Why England stars could be dropped? [Source: AP Photo]

England won a thriller against India at Lord's to go 2-1 up in the Test series, but despite an emphatic victory, the hosts have plenty to ponder as the fourth Test match at Old Trafford approaches. Despite boasting an intimidating batting lineup, the English batters are yet to play to their full potential.

Their main concern is the form of two of their key batters, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope. The two have been poor by their lofty standards, and England needs to make a bold call by replacing them with other stars in the playing XI.

England has announced their squad for the 4th Test, but there is a good chance that Ben Stokes will look to bring in fresh faces to tackle the Indian bowlers in the Manchester game.

Why Crawley and Pope should be dropped?

While the likes of Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jamie Smith have done well in the Test series, Pope and Crawley have looked toothless against the Indian bowling attack.

(Crawley and Pope vs India)

• As the table suggests, the two have been underperforming in the ongoing Test series, and the Indian bowlers have utilised their weaknesses to perfection. This has put the other English batters under tremendous pressure, and time and again Indian pacers have dominated them. 
• Pope, especially has been vulnerable against the moving deliveries, and so much so, that his second innings average after 6 innings on this tour has dropped below 20, which showcases his inability to play under pressure.

Who should replace Crawley and Pope?

In the ongoing County season, several domestic players have performed exceedingly well and should be given a chance to replace the two under-performing players.

Sibley to replace Crawley?

In the ongoing County season, several domestic players have performed exceedingly well and should be given a chance to replace the two under-performing players. Interestingly, England have already announced their squad for the 4th Test match, and apart from Crawley and Pope, there is no third opener in the team, and hence, England has no choice but to persist with him at the top.

However, if Crawley once again fails in the 4th Test match, then Stokes could make the harsh call by dropping him for Dom Sibley. Now, the question arises, why Sibley in the squad?.

(Sibley in County Championship 2025)

The forgotten English opener has been a revelation in the domestic setup and could get a chance in the England squad if the out of form opener once again fails to deliver in the 4th Test match at Old Trafford.

Time for Jacob Bethell to replace Pope

Jacob Bethell has been warming the bench for the entirety of the series, and with the Surrey batter and England's number 3 failing, Stokes could go after Bethell to replace Pope. Bethell had a remarkable start to his Test career but for some reason, England persisted with the right-handed Pope for the first three matches.

(Bethell Test stats)

The left-handed batter was remarkable on his debut Test tour of New Zealand and accumulated 260 runs. Bethell brings a different dynamism as compared to Pope. He provides the left-handed angle and can also chip in with the ball if the pitch starts to turn a bit. Plus, till date, he has no real weakness and could be the X-factor against India.

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