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Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton offered their perspectives on Ollie Pope’s new role as captain for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Hussain believes this opportunity will be advantageous for Pope, serving as a valuable experience in the absence of regular captain Ben Stokes.
Stokes is sidelined from the Test series due to a hamstring injury incurred during The Hundred 2024 and will miss the entire English summer. This series, which begins in Manchester on August 21, marks Pope’s debut as captain. Since taking over as England’s full-time Test captain in 2022, Stokes has not missed a match, despite playing through a knee injury in 2023 and undergoing surgery the following year. His last absence was during the 2021 India tour due to mental health concerns.
It’s Good For Ollie Pope To Be Captain For Three Tests – Nasser Hussain
On the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Nasser Hussain supported Ollie Pope’s new role as captain for the upcoming Test series. Hussain emphasized that gaining this experience is crucial for Pope to ensure he’s well-prepared for significant tours such as the Ashes.
“I think it’s good for Pope to be captain for three Tests, just in case, Ben Stokes does get injured in the future,” Hussain said.
“They need other options. Just like when they go to Australia, and they don’t want a bowling attack that’s inexperienced. You don’t want to get there with someone [leading] who hasn’t done it before,” he added.
England kicked off their summer with a 3-0 Test series win against the West Indies, where Pope scored 239 runs across four innings, averaging an impressive 59.75. As the second-highest run-scorer of the series, Pope will be aiming to maintain his strong batting form as he takes on his debut as England’s red-ball captain.
Ollie Pope Wouldn’t Want To Change That – Michael Atherton
Michael Atherton observed that Pope’s short-term captaincy could place him in a challenging position. Atherton pointed out that Pope might struggle with the team’s dynamics, particularly given the strong imprint left by Ben Stokes. He noted that maintaining the team’s balance could prove difficult for Pope.
“Essentially, you’re in a caretaker position. And Ben Stokes has left such a permanent mark on the side, Ollie Pope wouldn’t want to change that. While you are captain and you make decisions, it’s someone else’s team. It’s a slightly awkward position for him,” Atherton said.
Nasser Hussain remarked that Pope has yet to prove himself as a natural leader for the team. The 56-year-old emphasized that Ben Stokes’s leadership and cricketing acumen are instinctive. Hussain also noted that Pope’s appointment as vice-captain was intended to facilitate his development into the role.
The first Test between England and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester from August 21–25. Both teams aim to begin the series with a victory to set a positive tone for the upcoming matches.
