Ollie Pope gives a shut-up call to former England players criticising Bazball, insists England won't discontinue their philosophy

England batsman Ollie Pope while speaking in the pre-fourth IND vs ENG Test match, stated that the three lions will be adamant in continuing their ‘bazball’ approach in the fourth Test match. The English team faced a humiliating 434-run loss at the hands of India in the third Test match and currently trail in the five-match series by 2-1. The fourth match will be played on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Ollie Pope played an innings of 196 runs in the first IND vs ENG Test match and helped England make a brilliant comeback in the game. The visitors were able to win the first Test match by 28 runs and would be aiming to repeat their performance in the fourth match as well. The visitors had a firm hold on the match after the end of Day 2, but the Indian bowlers struck back and later never allowed the three lions to make a comeback.

Ollie Pope opens up on England’s approach in the 4th IND vs ENG Test match

Ollie Pope heaped praise on Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and added that the team will not change their playing approach. While India will be resting Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently the leading wicket-taker of the series, however, Pope believes that the Indian bowling attack is still lethal and they not miss their ace pacer.

Ollie Pope said, “He is going to be a miss for them but it doesn’t change the way we go about. Mohammed Siraj bowled well in the last game too, picked four wickets. We are not going to change how we play. There would still be reverse swing and there are still other guys.”

Ollie Pope also gave his opinion on the viral footage which is going viral on social media in which he can be seen bowling. Pope stated that the English captain hasn’t confirmed whether he will bowl in the next match or not. Ollie Pope said, “There’s definitely a chance but Ben Stokes hasn’t confirmed that he will bowl. Depends on how he pulls up tomorrow.”

Ollie Pope also opened up about England’s dressing room environment after the third Test match. Pope stated that it was disappointing how the three lions played on the third and the fourth day of the Rajkot Test. He added that the team is fresh and is ready to go again.

Ollie Pope said, “It was disappointing how we played on last two days in Rajkot but we have left it there. The vibe in the group is very good. Guys are fresh and ready to go again. We left the ground frustrated. Disappointing in the way we didn’t execute our plans. Nothing wrong with the way. In India, it’s about fine margins.”

India would be waiting to continue their winning momentum in the fourth Test match as well and win the series in Ranchi. India leads the five-match series by 2-1. The fourth Test match will be played on February 23, 2024, wherein the visitors as well would like to make a comeback in the series and level the contest.