New Delhi: England’s vice-captain and middle order batter Ollie Pope has been ruled out out of the remaining tournament against Australia after he suffered shoulder injury. Pope got injured during the second Test match at the Lords.
Ollie Pope ruled out of the Ashes. pic.twitter.com/jUyxWdtaIO
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Pope sustains shoulder injury
Pope has suffered shoulder injuries twice in the past. He underwent a scan in London on Monday, which revealed the seriousness of the injury. Now he will undergo surgery and will not be able to play in the last three Tests of the Ashes 2023.
The 25-years old batter injured his shoulder while diving to catch a ball on the first day of the Lord’s Test, but aggravated the injury on the third day. When the umpires insisted that he should go out to field after batting in England’s first innings. He scored 42 runs in the first innings. England spin coach Jeetan Patel admitted that had he not come forward, England would have gone with 10 players.
Stuart Broad to be vice-captain
Patel said, “It is a very difficult situation when your shoulder is almost injured. He is committed to this team.” Pope is also the designated vice-captain of England. As such, Stuart Broad is likely to step in as Ben Stokes’ deputy, having taken up the role informally last summer.
Who will replace Pope?
However, the bigger issue is who will replace Pope. In such a situation, when England are trailing 2-0, it is necessary to win this match at any cost to keep the Ashes alive. In the top order, he will need replacement to bat at number-3.
Dan Lawrence can replace him. He is already the only spare batsman in the team. He is also in good form. He has scored 491 runs for Essex at an average of 44.63 with two centuries. Another option could be to bring back Moeen Ali. Moeen can be included in the team again after his finger injury. Joe Root can bat at No.3. Harry Brook could also be considered for the role.
