India vs England: Three Lions are preparing hard for their upcoming Test series against India in the new year. To lead the team in the subcontinent, Ollie Pope emerges as the likely stand-in captain should Ben Stokes be unable to recover from a recent knee operation in time. The series opener is set to be held on January 25 in Hyderabad.
Ben Stokes, currently in a race against time to regain fitness, underwent surgery last month to address a persistent left knee issue. Any setbacks in his recovery could see Ollie Pope stepping up as captain for India vs England Test series, a role the vice-captain is not taking for granted.
Ollie Pope acknowledged the inherent risks associated with being the deputy captain, stating, “I think, naturally, when you are vice-captain, there is always a risk that the captain can go down.” He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the role, considering the uncertainty surrounding Stokes’ availability in the subcontinent for India vs England.
Ollie Pope in readiness for India vs England
While Ollie Pope himself has been on the sidelines since June due to a shoulder injury, he expressed confidence in his recovery and readiness to take on the captaincy role in India vs England Test series if required. Having dislocated his right shoulder during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, Pope is optimistic about his return, stating, “The shoulder has been good. I trust the operation.”
Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Ollie Pope is eager to reclaim his usual spot at number three in England’s batting order. With a promising average of 42.46 in his last 15 appearances, Pope looks forward to contributing to the team’s success in the Test series against India.
Reflecting on his absence from England’s white-ball sides, Pope acknowledged the setbacks but expressed his determination to make an impact in limited-overs cricket. “It is a new start when you are trying to get into a new format,” he said, highlighting his readiness to showcase his skills in 50-over cricket in the upcoming summer.
Ollie Pope, who has yet to feature in England’s white-ball squads, sees this period as an opportunity for a fresh beginning. Despite facing challenges in recent years, he believes he has a lot to offer and is eager to prove himself in the limited-overs format.
As Pope gears up for the possibility of captaining in India vs England Test series, he remains focused on his recovery and contribution to the team’s success. The Test series, set to commence on January 25, promises to be an exciting contest.
