Ollie Pope has been recalled to the England Test squad for the first two matches against Pakistan, marking a significant return nine months after being dropped during the Ashes. The news came as a surprise to Pope, who was discussing his career prospects with his girlfriend the evening before the squad announcement.
Pope acknowledged that he understood his axing from the Test side after averaging 20.83 in six innings during the previous winter, which led to him being dropped for Jacob Bethell and replaced as Ben Stokes' vice-captain by Harry Brook. However, a new coaching staff, captain, and head selector, coupled with an injury to Bethell, have paved the way for his return.
The squad announcement confirmed that Jordan Cox will bat at number three in place of Bethell, and Dan Lawrence will attempt to fill the all-rounder role at No. 6. Pope, who captained England five times in Stokes' absence and was once considered an heir apparent, returns as a versatile squad member. He is seen as a batter capable of filling positions three to seven, a spare wicketkeeper, and a player offering valuable experience with 64 caps, second only to Joe Root.
England men's selector Marcus North highlighted Pope's utility. "He's gone out of the Test side for a number of reasons, but to have someone like Ollie, that's obviously batted in different positions and gives us keeping cover, or if anything does happen on the morning of a game [is a boost]," North stated. "And his leadership qualities and experience is something we felt was right to balance out in case of any mishaps prior to a Test match."
Pope has been working on his game with Surrey, moving away from the No. 3 position. He is currently averaging 56.66 in Division One this season but expressed frustration at converting only one century from five fifty-plus scores. "The frustrating thing I had in the county stuff was that I got out for about 70 about four times… In my mind I was kind of like, 'am I gonna be kicking myself whenever selection comes back around that I didn't make them 150, 170?'"
Reflecting on his journey, Pope described it as a "rollercoaster kind of year-and-a-half." He added, "It felt like a debut call yesterday. Something I was hoping for but wasn't expecting. I might not be first name on the team sheet, but it's kind of one step closer to where I want to be." He believes his international experience and knowledge of conditions will be crucial.
While Stokes and Brendon McCullum were admirers of Pope's team-man qualities, his average at No. 3 had dropped. The Ashes review by ECB chief executive Richard Gould emphasized greater accountability for underperformance, leading to Pope and Zak Crawley's omission for the New Zealand series. However, Stephen Fleming and new Test captain Joe Root appear to value Pope's contribution.
Pope understands the team changes made over the past year. "I understand the change (in the team at the start of the summer). I understand everything that they've done over time. And, I guess, whatever they've changed over the last year or so, the main thing is whatever they think the best team is now. The fact that I'm in the frame for that is a massive positive."
He admitted that addressing the mental aspect of his game has been a work in progress, stemming from the uncertainty of his career's direction. Pope also spoke about the difficult winter period after the Ashes. "The winter, look… it was tough. I had two, two bad games, which cost me my spot in the team, and the feeling out there was shocking… it was a pretty bang average feeling. Yeah, it was sh t." He clarified that the issue was more technical than mental.
With the next Ashes series in mind, Pope, who will be 29 in January, sees his future with England as a long-term goal. He cited Joe Root and Henry Nicholls as examples of players who have had successful comebacks. "There's an Ashes next summer. I played a game with a dislocated shoulder here (Lord's) and I played one game at Edgbaston, and I feel like I've still got a lot to prove against Australia." He emphasized his desire to avoid being written off before turning 30.
