Will Ollie Pope Shine at Number Three? Chappell Weighs In
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Synopsis
As the Ashes series approaches, Ian Chappell reflects on the pressure Ollie Pope faces as England's No. 3 batsman. With potential competition from Jacob Bethell and a mixed performance history, the stakes are high for Pope. Can he rise to the occasion? Discover Chappell's insights on Pope's technique and mindset.
Key Takeaways
- Ollie Pope is under scrutiny as England's No. 3 batsman.
- Former captain Ian Chappell critiques Pope's technique under pressure.
- Jacob Bethell's potential inclusion adds competition for Pope.
- Pope's recent performances have sparked debate among fans and analysts.
- The Ashes series presents a critical opportunity for Pope to prove himself.
New Delhi, Nov 19 (NationPress) As England gears up for another intense Ashes summer, former Australian captain Ian Chappell has highlighted one visiting batsman who may be under the most scrutiny: Ollie Pope.
The 27-year-old, with nine Test centuries and an average in the mid-30s from 61 matches, enters the five-match series facing significant pressure — and Chappell believes Australia will be eager to exploit his position at No. 3.
Adding complexity to Pope’s scenario is the inclusion of 22-year-old Jacob Bethell in England’s expanded squad. Bethell has made a mark in the England system and, with a few Tests under his belt, is viewed as a potential future cornerstone. However, whether the young talent will make an appearance this summer is still debated.
In a conversation on Wide World of Sports’ Outside The Rope before the first Test in Perth, Chappell was questioned about the likelihood of Bethell making his debut during the Ashes and his thoughts on Pope’s stability at first drop.
“I’m not entirely convinced about Bethell replacing him, but if I’m an Australian player, I’m quite pleased to see Pope at three,” Chappell remarked.
He was candid in his critique of the England vice-captain’s technique and his ability to handle pressure.
“Pope tends to be a twitchy player; he lacks the confidence you want to see from a No. 3.
When your No.3 steps onto the field, you want everyone in the dressing room thinking, ‘this guy instills confidence’.”
Chappell then compared Pope to one of Australia’s modern batting legends.
“When Ricky Ponting walks out at No.3, you think not just that he’s likely to withstand some quality bowling early on, but he can also counter-attack effectively.”
Conversely, he indicated that Pope’s mannerisms — and possibly his mindset — provide Australia with a psychological advantage.
“Pope appears skittish and jumpy – so as an Australian player, I would be quite content to see him at three – but I’m uncertain we’ll see Bethell in this series.”
Pope’s performance over the past year has given both critics and advocates plenty to discuss. He faced challenges during a tough tour of Pakistan, followed by an inconsistent series in New Zealand.
A century in the first Test at home against India in June signaled a potential comeback, but the remainder of that series saw him struggle, with only one score exceeding fifty and three scores below ten.
Point of View
One must appreciate the pressure that players like Ollie Pope face during high-stakes series like the Ashes. While Chappell's critique is harsh, it underscores the intense scrutiny athletes endure, particularly in crucial roles. Our editorial stance remains that such challenges are part of the game, and it will be fascinating to see how Pope responds.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ian Chappell's views on Ollie Pope?
Ian Chappell believes that Ollie Pope, batting at No. 3, faces significant pressure and may not exhibit the confidence expected from a player in this position.
Who is Jacob Bethell?
Jacob Bethell is a 22-year-old batsman included in England's squad, viewed as a potential future mainstay but his participation in the Ashes series is uncertain.
How has Ollie Pope performed recently?
Ollie Pope has had a mixed performance over the past year, including a tough tour in Pakistan and inconsistent outings in New Zealand, though he scored a century against India.
