Ollie Pope has found himself enjoying wicketkeeping and batting lower in the order during England’s ongoing series in New Zealand. His composed glove work and a valuable 77 with the bat in the first Test at Christchurch played a crucial role in steadying England’s innings. Despite the success in his current roles, Pope remains eager to reclaim the No. 3 batting position, a spot he held during England’s recent series in Pakistan.
Pope’s tenure at No. 3 has been met with mixed results, including a modest return of just 59 runs across three matches in Pakistan. However, his determination to succeed at first drop is unwavering. He believes that his approach to batting, whether at No. 3 or lower, remains consistent. Reflecting on his innings in New Zealand, Pope remarked that his intent and strategy would have been the same had he batted higher up the order. The primary difference at No. 3, according to him, is the responsibility of setting the tone for the team. A strong performance in this position can establish a commanding position early in the innings.
Batting lower in the order, as Pope is currently doing, offers a different set of challenges and opportunities. At No. 6, he might find himself in scenarios requiring either consolidation or acceleration, depending on the team’s position. For Pope, both roles come with their unique demands and a sense of enjoyment, whether it’s rescuing the team from a precarious situation or pushing the game forward when the team is well-placed.
This series also marks a shift in mindset for Pope following the challenges he faced in Pakistan. While the conditions in New Zealand have presented a stark contrast to the spin-friendly surfaces in Multan and Rawalpindi, Pope credits much of his recent improvement to a conversation with Alec Stewart, Surrey’s outgoing director of cricket. Between tours, Pope sought Stewart’s guidance to regain clarity and confidence in his game. Although Stewart’s involvement didn’t extend to hands-on practice, the discussion provided Pope with an outside perspective that proved invaluable.
During this discussion, Pope focused on rediscovering his best form. He acknowledged that his performances in Pakistan were below his expectations, particularly his inability to reach the 20s or 30s scores that could serve as a foundation for bigger contributions. Stewart’s insights helped Pope to reset mentally, emphasizing the importance of calmness at the crease and clarity in his approach. This mental adjustment has allowed Pope to regain his composure and confidence at the wicket.
The advice also touched on the importance of not rushing to get starts. Pope recognizes that when he is at his best, there’s a sense of fluency and decisiveness in his play. Reflecting on his struggles in Pakistan, he noted that failing to build those initial starts denied him the opportunity to construct significant innings. Drawing a line under that tour, Pope is now focused on bringing a more measured and assured approach to his game.
As England’s vice-captain, Pope’s leadership role also comes into play, adding another dimension to his contributions on and off the field. With a fifth-wicket partnership of 151 alongside Harry Brook during the first Test, Pope played a pivotal role in dragging England out of trouble after a shaky start. His partnership with Brook underscored his adaptability and resilience, qualities that will be crucial as he continues to strive for consistency at the international level.
Looking ahead, Pope remains hopeful of solidifying his place at No. 3 while also embracing the challenges of his current responsibilities. For now, his focus is on building on the lessons learned and maintaining the clarity and calmness that have helped him rediscover his form.
