Ollie Pope’s stunning century on Saturday wasn’t just about runs, it was a masterclass in quiet resolve, according to England legend Stuart Broad. In his column for the Daily Mail, Broad dissects Ollie Pope character and performance, revealing what makes him such a vital cog in the new-look England machine.
“He’s not one of the extroverts,” Stuart Broad writes of Ollie Pope, “just a nice guy, happiest walking his dog,” but behind the unassuming demeanor lies a “really gritty character.” This grit showed its teeth last summer when Ollie Pope went back out to field with a dislocated shoulder – a testament to his unwavering commitment.
But Pope’s impact goes beyond mere toughness. Stuart Broad, having bowled at him extensively in the nets, recognizes his “high quality, technical” batting with a rare blend of “scrapper and battler.” This translates to his on-field presence, where he doesn’t just “stand and whack,” but plays a busy, adaptable game.
“He does the less glamorous stuff brilliantly,” Stuart Broad praises, referencing Pope’s ability to nick singles and manipulate the field. This work ethic allows him to weather the inevitable “tricky little periods” bowlers throw at him, finding ways to “get himself out of it.”
Stuart Broad on Ollie Pope
The current leadership team of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has played a crucial role in unlocking Ollie Pope full potential. “He performs well in the knowledge that he is being backed,” Broad emphasizes, crediting Stokes and McCullum for giving him a clear and stable role at number three.
This support has shown in Pope’s irreplaceable status. Broad points out that while Harry Brook and Moeen Ali stepped in during Pope’s absence, they were mere “stop-gaps.”
Pope’s struggles in the 2020 India tour are acknowledged, but Broad reminds us of the “extreme conditions” that skewed evaluations of spin-playing abilities. He also dismisses doubts about Pope’s fidgety stance against Ashwin and Jadeja, arguing that any batsman would feel “anxious” facing such world-class spin.
However, it was Pope’s second innings masterpiece that truly impressed Broad. Scoring an unbeaten 148 on a deteriorating pitch in the third innings, Pope “showed he is a player that can adapt to all conditions.” This adaptability, combined with his “temperament,” is what makes him such a valuable asset for England in hostile overseas environments.
Broad concludes by praising Pope’s third-innings century as a “great platform” for the rest of the series. While acknowledging the long road ahead, he declares that Pope’s performance was a resounding statement: “this is a player that can adapt, and a player that England can build their success around.”
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