England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope ruled out of the remaining Ashes 2023, here’s why

England Test team's Vice-Captain Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the remaining Ashes series owing to injury.

England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope ruled out of the remaining Ashes 2023, here’s why

Ollie Pope (Source: News18)

England Test team’s Vice-Captain Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the remaining Ashes 2023 series. After an enthralling Day 5, made controversial by Jonny Bairstow’s run-out, Australia lead the five-match series 2-0 at the moment.

Ollie Pope had dislocated his right shoulder while diving to save a run in the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s. Despite being injured he had to come out to field which further intensified the injury. Scans were conducted for Pope’s injured shoulder and revealed that he requires surgery. Ollie Pope earlier dislocated his left shoulder twice for which he underwent surgery in 2020.

YouTube video

In the two Tests that he played in the series, Pope had a string of low scores. He scored 31 and 14 in the first Test and in the second one, he scored 42 and 3. England have not requested to call for a backup player exclusively, at least for the third Test, and will pick from the existing squad.

Also Read: Afghanistan STAR takes a break from international cricket, blames “corrupt leadership” for his decision

Dan Lawrence likely to replace injured Ollie Pope

Dan Lawrence replaces injured Ollie Pope
Dan Lawrence (Source: The Guardian)

Dan Lawrence who plays for Essex is most likely to replace the injured Ollie Pope for the third Test at Headingley. He is the only available batter in England’s remaining squad who can fit at the number three position. The 25-year-old has played 11 Tests for England and holds an average of 29.

While England can consider shifting Joe Root up the order and send Lawrence at number three, a position where he has batted for 33 innings, it is likely that Dan Lawrence will be given a go.

Hosts England are two down in the five-match series and will look to hope that skipper Ben Stokes can recreate his Headingley heroics to keep his team alive in the series. The third Test is set to begin on 6th July at Leeds.

In case you missed!