"In 10 Test innings against the Australians Pope has never scored more than 42, averaging 11.16 in the three games he played last time England toured here in 2021-22, and 22.50 in two matches when the Ashes were last contested in 2023. The 27-year-old looked in fine form when scoring 100 and 90 in the warmup fixture against the Lions at Lilac Hill and will head to the Optus Stadium for the first Test with confidence high."
"I've got so used to those conversations being had, and seeing them, he said. I don't go looking for them but it's pretty hard to avoid sometimes. I'm so used to seeing it I've just learned to focus on my game. I'm just trying to become a better player each time I step out, and that's all I can do. It's been good for me that I've learnt that under the most pressure I've been able to deliver."
Ollie Pope faces intense selection pressure and a rising challenge from Jacob Bethell while preparing for the Ashes. Pope has a poor record against Australia, never scoring more than 42 in 10 Test innings and averaging 11.16 in 2021-22 and 22.50 in 2023. He produced strong scores of 100 and 90 in a warmup fixture at Lilac Hill and values time in the middle to prepare. Pope says repeated conversations about his place have taught him to focus, perform under pressure and strive to improve each time he plays.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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