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The England National Cricket Team is set to host the Pakistan National Cricket Team for a three-match Test series starting from August 19. Ahead of the first Test, former England vice-captain Ollie Pope has shared the abuse and trolls he faced from the English fans during his poor stint with the Three Lions. Pope has been called back into the side.
Ollie Pope has been added to the squad for the forthcoming three-match Test series. He makes a return after spending eight months out of the side following his omission during the 2025 Ashes. He had an average of 20.83 across six innings in Australia before being replaced by Jacob Bethell in the side. It will be interesting to see whether the former gets his chance.
"There were people in the stands shouting"- Ollie Pope on receiving abuse from England fans
Ollie Pope, after spending time in the County Championship and performing there he made a return to the side. The former vice-captain can bat anywhere in the middle order and also can keep wickets if needed to.
While speaking with the Telegraph Sport, Ollie Pope shared his feelings about how he felt while the fans were abusing him during his poor time and letting him know that he might have played the last Test match for the Three Lions.
“There were people in the stands shouting ‘enjoy your last Test mate!’” Pope tells Telegraph Sport. “I was like ‘jeez, they’re England fans saying that!’”
Ollie Pope feels he is not a big name in England
Further speaking, Pope revealed that every cricketer wants to have the support of the fans and be liked by them. He stated that he never felt something like that. Pope feels that he was not appreciated and much talked about as he was not being popular in the game.
“Every cricketer wants to be liked by the fans. I was at a point where I didn’t feel that very much at all,” he explains. “We are very lucky to get amazing support, and it’s such a cool feeling when people tell you they are happy for you on the good days. But at that time I probably didn’t feel I was too popular in the game... and it doesn’t help you perform.”
"I didn’t have the Australia tour I wanted"- Ollie Pope on his poor Ashes series
Ollie Pope did not have 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. Later, after the Ashes, he felt that he did not provide his best and was going to be dropped.
“I was understanding, but disappointed because I hadn’t given the best account of myself.”
“Of course I would love to be in the side, rather than running drinks or heading back to play in the Championship,” he says. “But to know I am still in their minds, have a chance to prove my worth, and that this story is not over yet is a massive positive for me.”
“I have shown I am a Test cricketer,” he says. “I realise I have not been consistent enough at times. But I feel I have a game to play in all conditions and be successful against the best bowlers in the world. I have shown I can do that.”
“I didn’t have the Australia tour I wanted. And there are times I should have left series averaging 50, and I averaged 35 because I’ve not been ruthless enough. Hopefully if I get a go, I can draw on those experiences.”
