“Felt like a debut call”: England’s Ollie Pope on Test return for Pakistan series

England Batter Ollie Pope Reflects on Test Return for Pakistan Series

England batter Ollie Pope has expressed his excitement and surprise at being recalled to the Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Pope, who was dropped from the team after a poor performance in the Ashes tour to Australia, said that his recall feels like a “debut call” and has given him a new sense of motivation.

Pope, who has played 64 Tests for England, was omitted from the team after scoring just 125 runs in six innings at an average of over 20 in the Ashes series. However, he has since worked hard in county cricket, scoring 510 runs in 12 innings at an average of 56.66 for Surrey.

The 24-year-old batter reflected on his county performances, saying that he was frustrated at getting out for scores around 70 on several occasions. “The frustrating thing I had in the county stuff was that I got out for about 70 about four times,” Pope said. “In my mind, I was kind of like, ‘am I gonna be kicking myself whenever selection comes back around that I did not make them 150, 170?'”

Pope’s recall to the Test squad comes after a review of the team’s performance in the Ashes series, and he has been selected for the first two Tests against Pakistan. He will be part of a new-look team, with wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox set to bat at number three and Dan Lawrence replacing Ben Stokes at number six.

Pope, who has led England in five Tests, said that he understands why he was omitted from the team and is focused on making the most of his recall. “I understand the change,” he said. “I understand everything that they have done over time. And, I guess, whatever they have changed over the last year or so, the main thing is whatever they think the best team is now. The fact that I am in the frame for that is a massive positive.”

Pope’s long-term goal is to play in next year’s Ashes series at home, where he feels he has a lot to prove against Australia. “I feel like I have still got a lot to prove against Australia,” he said. “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… I cannot really swear on this.. it was a pretty bang average feeling.”

The England team will play a three-match Test series against Pakistan, starting from August 19. Pope will be looking to make a strong impression and cement his place in the team for the upcoming series.

Article and image source: newzealandstar.com