Ollie Pope revolts against Joe Root a day ahead of Rajkot Test

England cricketer Ollie Pope commended team captain Ben Stokes as he approaches his historic 100th Test match for the national team. Ollie Pope highlighted Ben Stokes’ ability to elevate his performance under pressure, describing the all-rounder as a game-changer.

Ben Stokes is set to join an elite group of English cricketers, becoming the 16th player to achieve the milestone of 100 Test appearances. Since his Test debut in the 2013 Ashes, the 32-year-old cricketer has established himself as a key figure in the England team.

Since assuming the role of captain in the longest format from Joe Root, Stokes has revitalized the England Test team, along with head coach Brendon McCullum. Under their leadership, the team has lost only four Test matches and has yet to concede a Test series.

Ben Stokes Has Changed The Game In A Lot Of Respect – Ollie Pope

Speaking to reporters ahead of the third Test, Ollie Pope noted Ben Stokes‘ consistent ability to deliver his best performances when the team faces dire situations. Pope recalled Stokes’ remarkable 155-run innings against Australia during the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s.

“He has probably changed the game in a lot of respects, he has just got a way of bringing out the very best of him when the team needs it. Even in the Ashes at Lord’s (155 in the second innings), which I remember thinking about ‘how does he obviously take it to a new level when all the pressure is on him’,” Pope told the media on Tuesday.

Ben Stokes Made It Pretty Clear – Ollie Pope

Ollie Pope noted Stokes’ ability to extend his support and time to everyone in the squad, highlighting excellent man-management skills. Pope stated that Stokes wanted his deputy to bat at No. 3 in the team.

“I was there in the eleven when he took (on) the captaincy role. He made it pretty clear that I was the man for the No. 3 job and that just gave me a lot of confidence,” Pope added.

“His man-management was excellent. He seemed like he’s got as much time for everyone in the squad whether that be the physios or the doctors, as he does for his eleven on the pitch as well,” he further stated.

Pope emerged as England’s standout performer in the first Test in Hyderabad. He guided the team to a memorable 28-run victory with an exceptional 196-run knock in the second innings. The batter was awarded Player of the Match for his stellar contribution.

The 26-year-old batter could only manage 23 runs in each inning during the second Test in Visakhapatnam. The visiting team suffered a 106-run loss in the second match, allowing the Rohit Sharma-led team to bounce back in the ongoing five-match series.

The Ben Stokes-led team will take on the Indian team in the third Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, beginning on Thursday, February 15.

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