As England gears up for their one-off Test against Zimbabwe on May 22, there’s a spotlight on Ollie Pope, who is presented with an important opportunity to reaffirm his place in the team.
The match at Trent Bridge is not only about facing Zimbabwe, but also about Pope’s future, especially in the No. 3 batting position.
Pope’s Tumultuous Year and the Challenges He Faces
Ollie Pope has had a rollercoaster year that has kept fans and selectors on edge.
Over the past 10 months, Pope has played several roles, including leading England to three wins out of four in the absence of the injured Ben Stokes.
He also had to keep wicket in New Zealand when Jamie Smith was on paternity leave.
However, amidst all this, Pope has struggled with his form, particularly in Australia’s Big Bash where he averaged just 21 for the Adelaide Strikers.
His grip on a Test place started to weaken, especially with the rising performances of Jacob Bethell.
Bethell, who averaged 52 in his debut Test series and impressed with a series of solid half-centuries from the No. 3 position Pope had vacated, became a serious contender for the role Pope once held.
A Temporary Shift in Roles and Public Scrutiny
During England’s tour of New Zealand, Pope’s demotion to No. 6 was initially described as temporary by England captain Ben Stokes.
It was a strategic move to fill the gap left by Smith’s absence.
Pope played a key role in England’s series-clinching wins, contributing valuable scores of 77 and 66 in Christchurch and Wellington.
However, his form took a downturn in the final game of the tour, where he was dismissed for a low score of 17 in a dismal manner, attempting to scoop a delivery from Matt Henry.
This uncharacteristic shot raised questions about his future in the team.
Bethell’s IPL and the Potential Impact on Pope’s Position
With the upcoming Zimbabwe Test, there’s also the matter of Jacob Bethell’s IPL commitments.
Bethell had been with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru but returned to the UK after the IPL was temporarily suspended due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
If the IPL resumes before the Zimbabwe Test, Bethell could return to his IPL duties, potentially delaying his involvement with the England squad.
However, this situation benefits Pope, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reluctant to upset the Indian cricket board (BCCI) by recalling a player mid-IPL, especially with the ongoing success of the competition.
Despite playing only a minor role for RCB, Bethell has impressed in his limited appearances, including a match where he outscored cricket legend Virat Kohli.
Pope’s Opportunity to Prove Himself Against Zimbabwe
If Bethell doesn’t return to the IPL, Pope still faces a fierce competition for the No. 3 spot.
If he manages to perform well against Zimbabwe—an opponent making their first appearance against England in 22 years—it would solidify his case for the upcoming five-match series against India, starting June 20, and perhaps even the Ashes later this year.
Yet, Pope’s record against the top teams, like India and Australia, raises concerns.
His average of 22 in 35 innings against these opponents is a stark contrast to his more impressive 41 from 62 innings against others.
Even after 55 Test caps, Pope has yet to fully cement his place at No. 3.
Bethell’s Rising Profile and the Growing Pressure on Pope
Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell’s reputation continues to grow.
With a calm and mature approach to batting, even in difficult conditions in New Zealand, he has caught the eye of cricket greats like Sir Garry Sobers.
If Bethell remains available for selection, he could be a more attractive option for England’s selectors, especially given Pope’s struggles in previous encounters with India’s bowlers.
For England fans, the timing of the Zimbabwe Test and Bethell’s IPL situation is incredibly frustrating.
Bethell could be gaining valuable Test experience, but instead, Pope’s efforts to secure his spot might leave the question of who will bat at No. 3 unresolved for now.