Ollie Pope, the number 3 positioned batter, came out with an intent to bat and score big runs but was sent early by Indian speed gun Mohammad Siraj. Pope was dismissed on just 4 runs in 17 balls when the review taken by India came down in favour of the visitors after the umpire declared him not out. Siraj came down running with an inswinger which the English batter could not get the bat to it. Besides Pope’s century in the opening match of the series, where he managed to get a century, he could not even get a half-century. Apart from his century in the first match, his second highest score is 44 runs that he scored in the first innings of the third Test match at Lord’s.
Ollie Pope averages less than 20 in England's second innings of Tests 😳 pic.twitter.com/pOjkxYjUDe
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 13, 2025
A Potential Replacement
This has created many speculations among the cricket gurus and pundits about whether he should be a part of the 4th Test match that is scheduled from 23 July and will take place at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. His total runs in the series are just 186 runs in combining all 6 innings. This also includes a golden duck during the second Test match at Edgbaston, where India emerged victorious by claiming a convincing 336-run victory over the hosts. Jacob Bethell, who is part of the English squad, can be a potential replacement for the England Cricket Board (ECB) if they are open to considering other options.
Pope’s Test Stint
Ollie Pope has been a regular in England’s Test side since making his debut in 2018. In 58 tests, he has played 102 innings and has made 3,439 runs at an average of 35.45. His best score is excellent, 205, indicating his capacity to play big knocks. Pope has scored 9 centuries and 15 half-centuries so far. At a strike rate of 65.16, he fuses good technique with aggressive touch. A vital member of England’s middle order, he impresses all with his elegant stroke play, particularly at home.
Jacob- A Promising Young Talent
Jacob Bethell is the future star of England’s cricket team. Although fresh to Test cricket, he has made a tremendous debut. In only 3 games, Bethell has aggregated 260 runs in 6 innings, going not out just once. His average is a great 52.00, and his best score is 96, just shy of a first century. With 3 fifties already on his record and a healthy strike rate of 75.14, Bethell has promised much as an exciting batter. If he maintains this shape, he might just become England’s Test star in the future.
