"Can't Go For Coffee": Ollie Pope On Struggles Of Bio-Secure Environment

England batsman Ollie Pope stood his ground and remained unbeaten on 91 as umpires called it a day at Old Trafford. Pope is staring at his second Test century, with his first being his career best knock of 135 runs. The middle-order batsman missed out in the first-two Tests but is making the most of his opportunity in the final match.

Pope was the pick of the batsmen in the England line-up as he build up a solid foundation with Jos Buttler supporting him well from the other end. Pope said that it was really nice to get on the scoring sheet after missing out in a couple matches, while addressing reporters at the end of the day.

The match between England and the West Indies is being played in a bio-bubble environment, which means no interference from the outside world or vice-versa. Pope highlighted the struggle of the environment and said that there is no real escape as one cannot go out for coffee or dinner, or even meet their family.

“It’s a really a nice feeling tonight because I missed out in the first two games,” Pope told reporters after bad light ended play early with England on 258-4.

“It wasn’t easy because there is no real escape, you cannot go out for coffee, or for dinner or you cannot see your family and you think about your failures a little more than normal.”

Pope averages nearly 40 in the longest format of the game. He also has three half centuries to his name.

Pope broke into the national team after some terrific domestic performances. He averages over 57 in First-Class cricket and has nine centuries and 10 half-centuries to his name.