England is currently trailing in Ashes 2023 by 0-2 at home. They are staring down a home Ashes series defeat for the first time since 2001. Meanwhile, ahead of the third Test starting on July 6, the team has lost their number three batter, Ollie Pope. The right-hander got injured during Day One of the second Test at Lord’s. He was replaced by Rehan Ahmed as far as the fielding is concerned.
However, he did bat in both innings of the game, scoring 42 in the first and 3 in the second. During the game, things were pretty clear that the Surrey player might not play the next game at Leeds, Headingley. Head coach, Brendon McCullum provided an update a few hours back on his injury.
“We will check Ollie out and work it out. I was so proud of Ollie, to do what he did. He’s a tough kid to bat number three and want to make an impact. He’s obviously our vice-captain as well and a fantastic leader in the group, albeit at a young age,” McCullum said while speaking to BBC’s Test Match Special.
Ollie Pope has been ruled out for the rest of the Ashes 2023
Even though McCullum was hopeful of his vice-captain, the new update says that the right-hander, Pope has been ruled out for the rest of the series. The latest scans have suggested that Pope may not play further in the home season and requires surgery. In the last four years, he has injured his shoulder three times in 2019 (twice), and 2020 (once).
“It’s a big blow. Ollie’s been phenomenal for us for the past 18 months, he’s been an incredible leader within the group and stepped up as vice-captain,” said former England skipper Joe Root as quoted by Sky Sports Cricket.
