ENG vs SA 2022: Ollie Pope relishes his role at number three

Ollie Pope in an England training session (PC: Twitter)

England’s emphatic innings win over South Africa brought the three-match Test series to level terms. The two sides will now collide at The Oval in London for the decider, with the match slated to commence from Thursday, September 8 onwards.

Ollie Pope has retained his spot in the playing XI, and is likely to continue his role at number three for the hosts. The Surrey-based cricketer recently spoke about his promotion to England’s batting order, a move which was initiated by active skipper Ben Stokes this summer.

“I’m not looking too far ahead” – Ollie Pope on cementing his number 3 slot

Prior to the third Test, Pope claimed how the present England management have helped him to be in a “better mindset”. He said:

“The feedback I've got has been great and I think the confidence that is given from the top from McCullum and Stokes has been great as well, so hopefully that can keep helping me build into that spot and I'm going into this with a bit of a better mindset.”

When asked about his future at number three, the cricketer stated that he is not looking that far ahead and is only trying to focus on his performances.

Pope top-scored with 73 in England’s disastrous series opener, one which saw them going down to the South Africans by an innings and 12 runs. The Ben Stokes’ draw-cards made a resounding comeback in the next Test, delivering a knockout punch to the visitors by an innings and 85 runs.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced their starting XI for the final Test. Here is a look at the entire English XI set to take on the upcoming South African challenge.

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