England batter Ollie Pope has been recalled for England’s first two tests against Pakistan, nine months after being dropped during the Ashes.
He averaged 20.83 across six innings in Australia before being replaced by Jacob Bethell, but a strong County Championship campaign and a change in England’s leadership group have brought him back into the fold.
“I understand the change (in the team at the start of the summer). I understand everything that they’ve done over time,” Pope was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.
“Whatever they’ve changed over the last year or so, the main thing is whatever they think the best team is now. The fact that I’m in the frame for that is a massive positive.”
Pope has valuable experience in the side, with the right-hander earning 64 caps prior to being dropped, and amassing over 3700 runs in the red-ball format.
His recall comes with England reshaping their test side. Jordan Cox is set to bat at No 3 against Pakistan, while Dan Lawrence is expected to provide an option at No 6.
Pope therefore returns as a versatile squad option, capable of batting anywhere from three to seven while also providing wicketkeeping cover.
The Ashes remain firmly in Pope’s thoughts and England have made reclaiming the urn in 2027 a major priority, and Pope is determined to put himself in contention for that series.
“I feel like I’ve still got a lot to prove against Australia.”
Pope hasn’t had the best of time against Australia, be it at home or away, with him racking up only 282 runs from eight tests at a below-par average of 17.62 and no half-centuries to his name.
He believes his struggles in Australia last time out were primarily technical rather than mental, and he is now looking to use those lessons should another opportunity against the arch-rivals come his way.
“The winter, look, it was tough. I had two bad games, which cost me my spot in the team, and the feeling out there was shocking. It was a pretty bang average feeling.
“I think there's a perception that it was more of a mental thing when I was out in Australia, and I couldn’t disagree more.
“My technique and my game wasn’t exactly where it needed to be, and against the best in the world, that gets exposed pretty quickly.”
With England entering a new era under Stephen Fleming and captain Joe Root, Pope has another chance to prove he belongs in their test plans.
"It's obviously great having their confidence to pick me. I'm just focusing on making sure my game's as ready as it can be.
“If I do get a go in this series, making sure I've smoothed out the technique, and got my head in the right spot."
England great Nasser Hussain also welcomed the right-hand batter back in the squad but had some words on how to utilise the 28-year-old to the best of his abilities.
“Ollie Pope's in the squad, he comes back as a cover for a batter,” Hussain told Sky Sports.
“I think there's a future for Ollie Pope but in the middle order. I don't think he's a No 3.
“He's too frenetic for a No 3, and he's too good a player just to say "oh, you're never gonna play again". But I think if he does come back, it's got to be around about the No 5, No 6 position.”
England occupy the seventh position in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings and their tussle against Pakistan will be crucial to determine if they can place themselves in next year’s main event at The Oval for the first time.
ENGLAND SQUAD: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
SERIES SCHEDULE:
First test - 19-23 August, Headingley, Leeds
Second test - 27-31 August, Lord’s, London
Third test - 9-13 September, Edgbaston, Birmingham