#benstokes

Despite staunch criticism and the meteoric rise of Jacob Bethell, Ollie Pope is still certain to feature for Ben Stokes' XI come the first Ashes Test in Perth on 21 November.

Pope's place in the side was already under scrutiny during the English summer, despite scores of 171 against Zimbabwe and 106 in the first Test against India. In his eight innings since, however, Pope has only managed one score of 50+ at an average of 25.

This reflects much of his career, where he has built a reputation of scoring big hundreds but never really found any consistency. Notably, since 2024, Pope has only averaged 35.04, but his 196 in Hyderabad is talked about as one of the all time great knocks for a touring batsman in India that set up England's first-Test victory.

The fait of BazBall in Australia also rests heavily on Pope. Untried and untested against such pace and bounce, you feel England will desperately need Pope to score well even if Joe Root overcomes his Aussie woes to score his first hundred Down Under. Other batters that have been handpicked for Australia, notably Zak Crawley and Jamie Smith, could thrive, but are also no guarantees given the temperance needed to thrive in such hostile conditions for five Test matches.

Then there is Jacob Bethell.

His explosion onto the scene in an England shirt has been seismic, having already captained in Ireland, scored a first ODI hundred and made three Test half-centuries at three in New Zealand all before the age of 22.

While Pope's technique has also been critcised by many as jittery and unnerving against what will be relentless lines and lengths from the likes of Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood, Bethell, as a left hander with supreme talent who's demonstrated his temperance in New Zealand, only needs time in the middle to become what England see as their future across all formats.

In mind of all of this, though, I still believe Pope will 100% be the first name on the sheet come Perth because of one factor - Ben Stokes. If Stokes is fit, which seems increasingly likely, he will without doubt trust Pope to deliver, which he arguably has with an average of 39.98 since he took over the captaincy.

And even if he isn't fit, and newly-announced vice captain Harry Brook captains, Stokes will absolutely want Pope's experience, gained from both serving under him and in his place, out in the middle. Stokes himself said it would be "remarkable" if we saw Pope dropped during the India series, with Alastair Cook stating that such a "gamble" in Australia would easily "cause danger" to England's chances of regaining the Ashes.

In Stokes' absence, the obvious replacement for him would then be Bethell to feature at number 6, or to be in contention to play as a spin-bowling all-rounder should McCullum go with four seamers over playing Shoaib Bashir as a frontline spinner.

Either way, Pope is definitely set to feature in Perth, for what is being anticipated as the most highly anticipated Ashes series in Australia and England's best chances of victory since 2010/11, when England last claimed victory away in amazing fashion. Nonetheless, we will still all be praying to avoid another Rory Burns moment come the first ball from Mitchell Starc at the Optus Stadium.

Now that I know that Tumblr is in the safe hands of Automattic, I know this place has a long future and some exciting new things. No better company to run this amazing site. 

What am I watching these days?

The Office (US) finally! What an amazing show! Been a big fan of Parks and Rec for a while and this is a great show in a different direction. I know this is the one that paved the path for the awesoness Michael Schur has been bringing to us over the last decade. 

I am almost done with 3 season and it’s been so much fun so far. Yet, I still cringe (max) when Michael Scott does what he does best. 

Also watching the Ashes. That last hour of the 3rd test match in Headingly was the most harrowing thing as as Australian Cricket fan. But more importantly it was one of the fantastic hour of cricket I have seen. Up there with WC2019 final and Aus/SA WC99 SF. Ben Stokes is not just legendary. He is already a legend. Stokes bowling in the at second innings was also quite something. Australian attack was breathing fire in the first innings and I love that Test cricket has been so edge of the seat. 

In a mostly bowlers’ Ashes this year Steven Smith has been a Man who fell to Earth - in a league completely apart from all other batsmen. Marnus Labuschagne have been splendid too. Can’t wait to see them work their magic together. 

England has reaffirmed its support for Brendon McCullum, confirming he will remain head coach in every format. Despite a tough outing in The Ashes, the decision reflects a clear focus on long-term direction and steady development. Fans keeping up through 빠른티비 스포츠중계 have followed this evolving story, and the next phase looks full of potential.

Trusting the Process, Not Just the Scoreline 📊✨

England’s leadership has chosen to back consistency over quick changes. They believe McCullum’s ideas need time to fully take shape, especially across all formats of the game. His influence has already introduced a more confident and expressive approach to cricket.

For those watching on 빠른티비 스포츠중계, this move highlights a commitment to building something lasting, rather than reacting to short-term outcomes.

A Fresh Identity Under McCullum 🔥🏏

Since taking on the role, McCullum has helped redefine England’s playing style. Working closely with captain Ben Stokes, he has encouraged players to perform with freedom, intent, and belief.

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Taking Lessons Forward from the Ashes 🎯📈

The Ashes series offered valuable insights into areas that need improvement, including decision-making under pressure and squad balance. Instead of seeing it as a setback, England views it as a step in the learning process.

McCullum remains focused on adjusting tactics while staying true to his core philosophy. Fans following through 빠른티비 스포츠중계 can expect a team that is adapting and preparing for stronger performances ahead.

Building a Connected Future for England Cricket 🚀

By keeping one head coach across formats, England is aiming for a more unified structure. This helps players transition smoothly and understand their roles better, leading to improved team chemistry and performance consistency.

Younger players, in particular, will benefit from this environment, gaining the confidence to grow. Those watching on 빠른티비 스포츠중계 can look forward to a side that continues to evolve with a clear and consistent identity.

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Reactions to the decision have been varied, but interest in England cricket remains strong. Many supporters appreciate the long-term vision, while others are curious to see how the team progresses.

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Speaking at Surrey's pre-season media day, Pope addressed the elephant in the room — the perception that England simply didn't care about the Ashes. A 4-1 series defeat, reports of excessive drinking during the Noosa break, Brook's nightclub incident in New Zealand before the series. The criticism was fierce and widespread.

Pope's response? He gets it. "The perception that we weren't fussed was probably the hard thing. All we wanted to do was go and win the Ashes." He acknowledged the criticism was understandable while pushing back firmly on the idea that England were mentally checked out.

His bigger point is actually worth listening to. England were genuinely competitive in Perth in that first Test — had day two gone differently, the entire series narrative shifts. But it didn't, and everything that came after — the off-field stories, the social media posts, the Noosa photos — made it impossible for England to control the story.

Pope was dropped after the third Test averaging just 20.83 across three games and that stings for a player of his ability. But he's not hiding from it — "I still feel like my best batting years are to come." That kind of confidence after a rough series is either delusional or the sign of someone who genuinely knows their game. Given how good Pope can be, it's probably the latter.

The ECB review is ongoing — tour preparation, individual performances, squad culture all under the microscope. The next Ashes is in 2027. England have time to fix this. But the questions are real and they need proper answers.

For full England cricket analysis and Ashes review coverage, head to 8jjcricket.com 🏏

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