Ollie Pope says he fully accepts England’s decision to replace him with Harry Brook as Test vice-captain for the Ashes, despite having served as Ben Stokes’ deputy for most of the past three years and captaining England on five occasions.

The Surrey batter, 27, was quietly removed from the leadership role when England named their Ashes squad in September. Director of cricket Rob Key later said Brook—England’s newly appointed limited-overs captain—was simply a “better leader.”

Pope, speaking in Perth after scores of 100 and 90 against England Lions in the team’s only warm-up match, struck a mature tone about the change.

“If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward… that’s absolutely fine by me and I respect the decision they’ve made,” Pope said.

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Back in the Middle After a Mixed Summer

The warm-up match marked Pope’s first outing since the County Championship two months ago. His England summer was inconsistent: he hit centuries in his opening two Tests—against Zimbabwe and India—before reaching fifty only once in his next eight innings.

Pope revealed he has addressed “a couple of little technical bits,” saying he has been “smoothing out a few areas” of his batting ahead of the Ashes opener at Optus Stadium on Friday.

Despite debate about England’s limited warm-up schedule, Pope said the three days at Lilac Hill were ideal preparation:

“I always take something away from warm-up games… I like time in the middle to get myself ready for a series. I found it really beneficial.”

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No Doubt Over England’s No. 3

Pope’s strong returns against the Lions, combined with backup batter Jacob Bethell’s inconsistent form—despite a second-innings 70—have effectively ended any speculation about who will bat at No. 3 in the first Test.

Bethell, who debuted last year, has been competing with Pope for that spot, often prompting debate over whether Pope’s place was secure.

Pope says he has grown used to the chatter:

“I don’t go looking for it but it’s pretty hard to avoid… I’ve learned to focus on my game.”

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Using Pressure as Fuel

Pope is one of only six players from England’s 16-man squad who featured on the last Ashes tour four years ago. On that occasion, he was dropped after the first two Tests but returned for the fifth as England lost the series 4–0.

He believes his rivalry with Bethell has ultimately improved him as a player.

“Under the most pressure I’ve been able to deliver—especially in that Headingley Test against India,” Pope said.
“Everyone wants to be the first name on the team sheet… there’s always going to be someone on your heel. As long as I’m a better player every series, that’s the best I can do.”