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Marcus Trescothick clears air on Pope's No. 3 spot in The Ashes amid 'Jacob Bethell threat'

Soumyajit Dutta

Jacob Bethell, Marcus trescothick and Ollie Pope [Source: @gurnaar_jasmin/X.com]Jacob Bethell, Marcus trescothick and Ollie Pope [Source: @gurnaar_jasmin/X.com]

Ollie Pope, England's dependable No. 3 in Test cricket, was under the threat of being replaced by 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, however, in a recent statement, England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick shared that England is pretty 'consistent' with their playing XI and selection choices.

Hinting at Ollie Pope retaining the No. 3 spot, Trescothick gave a sigh of relief to the 27-year-old, who otherwise might have had a scare as Harry Brook was named vice-captain of the Ashes tour, replacing the former's role.

No fear of Bethell as Ollie Pope in at No. 3!

Speaking with BBC Sport, Trescothick was quite open with Pope's place in the Playing XI ahead of the warm-up fixture, where England will probably field a lineup very close to the final playing XI against Australia at Perth.

"I'm presuming the same sort of number three we've had for a period of time. I can only say we are a very consistent team in what we're trying to do," Trescothick said.

Besides Trescothick, England's director of cricket Rob Key, also confirmed Pope as the "man in possession" for the No. 3 spot. Notably, Bethell has been a constant pain point for Pope. Bethell averages 52.0 from his 6 Test innings in 2024, while Pope averages at 31.6 from his 29 outings that year.

Consistent lineup is Pope's saviour

Yet, given the selection and consistency of the Three White Lions, Pope's position seems unshakable as Trescothick further stressed the importance of having faith in a single lineup.

"I guess everyone has an opportunity to stake their claim. As I mentioned, how consistent we've been with our team selection, it's been very level. Bar the odd injury we've not really chopped and changed a great deal. It's definitely not going to change dramatically before the start of an Ashes series because someone puts their hand up by taking five wickets or gets 150," Trescothick concluded.

Nevertheless, the visitors are already present on the Australian soil with Ben Stokes & Co. already amping up their preps. The Australian camp also seems ready, with key players hitting the gas pedal with fiery preparations in ongoing Sheffield Shield matches. 

The first encounter of the oldest rivalry is set to take place at Perth Optus Stadium on November 21, as Steve Smith captains the host side.