Former Australian captain Ian Chappell called England’s stand-in Test captain Ollie Pope a ‘potential weakness’ for the 2025-26 Ashes down under. Taking over the Test captain in the absence of Ben Stokes, Pope has led the side quite well, with five wins in as many games during the home season.
However, his batting form has also been mixed with an excellent outing against the West Indies followed by a poor first two Tests against Sri
Lanka. He averaged a dismal 7.50 in four innings to start the Lankan series before a magnificent 154 in the first innings of the ongoing third Test as well.
However, Chappell in his column for ESPNcricinfo wrote: “Despite playing a meaningful innings against a moderate Sri Lankan attack, Ollie Pope needs more convincing knocks away from his home ground to prove he’s a substantial No. 3 batter. Otherwise Pope is in danger of becoming the polar opposite of Joe Root – a capable captain with a feel for the job but an inconsistent batter.”
However, he has a poor record against Australia in Tests, averaging 15.70 with no fifty in five outings. The numbers play a key role in Australia with England’s No. 3 averaging 11.16 in three Tests so far as well. He also felt Australia troubling Ollie Pope during the 2025-26 Ashes could be a hamper to England’s chances should they omit him from the playing XI.
“Batting in the middle order, Pope had a poor last tour of Australia and should be considered a potential weakness. It’s not just his renowned skittishness that should interest the Australian pace bowlers, there are also some technical flaws that can be exploited,” he added. “If Australia do cause concerns for Pope, and England are forced to omit him, then the crucial No. 3 spot becomes a revolving door. Currently the English squad is limited in players who are qualified to do a sound job at No. 3. Without Pope, England would also be missing a suitable replacement captain if Ben Stokes suffers an injury. That would be a crucial double blow to England.”
Meanwhile, another veteran Michael Vaughan shared his confusion over England’s approach and questioned Dan Lawrence’s aggressive knock.
“I’ve got no clue what England were doing with the bat – Dan Lawrence, I suppose it was his last chance saloon, maybe he was told to go out and swing. It was too expansive,” Vaughan said on BBC’s Test Match Special.
