England batter Ollie Pope insists he is mentally ready for Ashes battle as England prepare to face Australia in the first Test in Perth, which takes place from November 21-25.
Pope has been replaced as vice-captain by middle-order batter Harry Brook – who captains the white-ball team for England – with his place at number three under threat from emerging star Jacob Bethell.
The 27-year-old had a terrible time Down Under on the 2021/22 tour, scoring just 67 runs across six innings at an average of 11.16, with a high score of 35.
Pope did, however, get some runs under his belt in England’s warm-up match against the England Lions, scoring a 100 and 90 in his two innings.
Pitch perfect
And the Surrey batter feels he has learnt how to play in Australian conditions, telling Sky Sports: “I didn’t know my game well enough and I didn’t know the conditions like I thought I might have known them.
“I think I’ve probably learnt how to bat a bit more on these pitches.
“Growing up and getting used to playing these big series and games helps. For me, I’ve got complete clarity in how I want to go.
“I’ve played 61 Tests now…I’ve got that in the bank.
“There are guys experiencing places like Australia for the first time and my senior spot in the team is about leaning on those guys and helping them out because I have experienced what an Ashes tour can be like.”
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Fine with decision
Pope has made peace with the decision to make Yorkshire batter Brook vice-captain to skipper Ben Stokes, saying: “If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward, with Brooky captaining the one-day stuff and the T20 stuff as well, then that’s absolutely fine by me.
“I respect the decision they’ve made.”
And he is more than ready to fight for his place in the batting line-up, with Warwickshire star Bethell adding serious competition for the number three role in England’s armoury.
Hard to avoid talk
Pope added: “Everyone wants to be the first name on the team-sheet, that’s pretty clear, but at the same time we’re playing international sport.
“I’ve got to remind myself of that at times, that there’s always going to be someone on your heels if you haven’t quite scored the volume of runs that you would have liked.
“I’ve got so used to those conversations being had and seeing them. I don’t go looking for them but it’s pretty hard to avoid sometimes.
“I’m learning to live with it and put my best foot forward. I’ll try and use the pressures that I’m under and make sure I get the best out of myself.”
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