(Source X)
Ollie Pope has sought advice from Joe Root on effectively juggling the responsibilities of batting and captaincy following a challenging debut as England’s stand-in captain against Sri Lanka.
Pope, stepping in for the injured Ben Stokes, led England to a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Old Trafford last week, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series with two matches still to play.
Despite his leadership role, No. 3 batsman Pope was dismissed for six on two occasions in Manchester, with his second dismissal coming from a poorly executed reverse sweep.
Although Ben Stokes is sidelined, the England squad still includes Joe Root, who captained the team in a record 64 Tests from 2017 to 2022.
Notably, the 33-year-old Yorkshireman accumulated 14 centuries during his tenure, leading a team that often faced challenges.
As England prepares for the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s starting Thursday, it’s understandable that Pope has sought guidance from Root on balancing the demands of batting with the responsibilities of captaincy.
“I really enjoyed the week,” Pope told a pre-match press conference at Lord’s on Wednesday. “The runs didn’t translate for me but hopefully over the next two weeks, I can put aside my captaining when it’s time to bat and focus on my batting.
“It’s about having the two things separate. That’s something I’ve spoken to Joe Root about. We just spoke about how it’s more taxing in the field but it’s finding a little routine and doing small things.”
‘Great cricket brain’
He added: “It’s just finding a way to compartmentalise. Chatting to Rooty, he’s obviously got a great cricket brain and is England’s best batter, so we just bounced a few ideas off each other.”
Since Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge, England has gained a reputation for their bold, aggressive style, especially in their batting approach.
However, Joe Root demonstrated an alternative strategy during England’s successful chase of 205 against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford. His unbeaten 62 off 128 balls, which included only two boundaries, was pivotal in guiding the team to victory on a sluggish pitch.
“We don’t use the term ‘Bazball’ but we played a different style of cricket (at Old Trafford) and that’s something that can keep taking us forward as a team,” said Pope.
“When we can be ruthless, we’ve got to try and be ruthless just to win as many games as possible,” the 26-year-old Surrey batsman added.
Stokes has been practicing in the nets but remains some distance from making a comeback to competitive play after sustaining a hamstring injury earlier this month during The Hundred.
Nevertheless, Pope, whose England team for the second Test features only one adjustment—Olly Stone replacing the injured Mark Wood—remains optimistic that Stokes will be ready for the upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand later in the season.
“Injuries are never ideal but they’re also great chances for people to keep improving their game and a have a bit of time for reflection and think about what they can work on,” said Pope.
“I’m sure that’s exactly what he’s doing in the nets. Going into that Pakistan series and then New Zealand he’s going to be as fresh as anyone.”
