Ashes 2023: Ollie Pope has been a disappointment at No. 3 – Geoffrey Boycott

Former England batter Geoffrey Boycott reckons Ollie Pope has been a disappointment at number three in the ongoing Ashes against Australia. Pope returned with scores of 42 and 3 in the second Test match at Lord’s against the Aussies.

The right-hander has scored 90 runs in two Test matches at an average of 22.50 in the ongoing Ashes series. Pope has failed to convert his starts in the ongoing series and thus has failed to deliver the goods while batting at the crucial position.

Boycott said that the Surrey batter’s defence is vulnerable as he looks to attack almost every delivery.

In his column for The Telegraph, Boycott wrote, “Ollie Pope has been a disappointment at No.3. For me, he looks intent on scoring off every ball against the new ball; that is very dangerous.

“By all means, don’t just defend, but be more selective. Against quality bowlers with a new ball, you should accept that they will bowl good balls, and you must be able to defend. His defence is not tight enough.”

Boycott also questioned Harry Brook, who is known for his aggressive batting. Brook has thus far scored 132 runs in two Test matches against Australia in the Ashes.

“Since his arrival in international cricket, Harry Brook has looked like a world-beater, new star, but he is getting himself out. He is trying to whack anything and everything.

“That’s crazy batting and a waste of his talent. By all means, stay positive – nobody wants him to change and become defensive – but use your brain, and bat the percentages.”

On the other hand, the former England opener lauded Ben Duckett and Josh Tongue. While Duckett returned with scores of 98 and 83 in the second Test, Tongue took a total of five wickets and impressed with the ball.

“England’s biggest plussees have been the new boys Ben Duckett and Josh Tongue. Duckett learned quickly after getting out twice at Edgbaston in his favourite area: steering the ball behind square on the off side.

“I liked Tongue as he rolled his sleeves up and got stuck in. He bowled with fire in his belly, good pace, movement, and best of all, he got lift at times that unsettled Australia, hitting their batsmen on their arms, body, and gloves.”

The third Ashes Test will be played at Leeds, Headingley from Thursday onwards.