'More Anxious than Excited': Ollie Pope On BazBall

image-lf6xn7k3NZ vs ENG: Ollie Pope took a fantastic grab [Source: Twitter]

England's Test revival post their horrendous 2021-2022 has been credited to coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. The pair have infused aggression and freedom into their players, leading their side to 10 wins in their last 12 Tests. 

Batter Ollie Pope, who blossomed under the duo, has hailed the 'BazBall' approach, which has made him into a better Test player. 

In 2022 alone, Pope scored 713 runs, which includes two tons and five fifties. The middle-order player has cemented his place in the XI at number 3, with the likes of Jonathan Bairstow and Jos Buttler sitting outside. 

Speaking to SKY Sports, Pope revealed the affects of Bazball has had on him and others in the squad. 

Here's what Pope Said

"I used to go into a Test series, probably more anxious than excited. I'd be thinking 'if I don't do well, this could be my last.' But we're such a close group, playing such a fun brand of cricket, that it has taken that pressure off. 

"It has made Test cricket 10 times more enjoyable for pretty much everyone in that changing room. We've seen that with the results on the pitch."

The 25-year-old stated England's win over Pakistan in the first Test on a flat track at Rawalpindi as the 'highlight' of the winter. 

​In 35 Tests since 2018, Pope has scored 1,841 runs at an average of 32.29 with three centuries and 11 fifties.