ENG vs IND | Ollie pope blames T20 Blast scheduling for his injury woes

England batsman Ollie Pope is suffering from a  grade three quadriceps tear which he picked up during the T20 Blast. He might miss the first Test against India if not declared fit and the Surrey player is worried about it. 

The right-handed batsmen blamed the tight scheduling of the T20 Blast games in which he had to play five games in just eight days, and the top of which he was returning after 10-day isolation being a close contact of someone who had tested Covid positive.

"With the schedule, I think we played five T20s in seven [eight] days after I had to do 10 days sitting on the couch isolating as a close contact. Going from 10 days on a couch to five games in seven days is always going to provide a little risk. It is frustrating but hopefully, I'll sort this quad out and that's the end of it,” Pope was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. 

Talking about his current situation and whether he will be able to take part in the first Test starting Thursday, August 4th, Pope said, "I've been hitting a lot of balls just trying to get as much running as I can do. I guess in a day or two a decision will be made.” "I'm hopeful, but I guess it's up to physios and management to manage the risk of it,” he added. 

The 23-year-old is even ready to miss the first game so that he can be available for the rest of the four matches. “It's just trying to make sure if I did play this one there's not going to be an issue for the next four if selected,” said Pope. Now that Ben Stokes is not available, the English middle order needs stability and Pope is a key member in consideration for that number five spot.