England skipper Joe Root has confirmed that Ollie Pope will make his debut at the Mecca of Cricket – Lord’s. Pope who has impressed with his skills in the County Championship while playing for Surrey will play his first match for the English side.
Consequently, it would be a great opportunity for Ollie Pope to make the most of his chance. The 20-year old right-handed batsman has scored a truckload of runs in the domestic season. Pope averages 63 in his First Class career and would like to repeat a similar type of performance at the topmost level.
In fact, Sam Curran who is also 20-years old was the star of the first Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Curran had scored 87 runs and scalped five wickets in the opening Test. Subsequently, Ollie Pope can take inspiration from his Surrey teammate.
Therefore, Pope spot in the playing XI is confirmed by the England captain. Meanwhile, Jamie Porter once again misses out in the final XI after making it to the squad.
However, Root has confirmed that he will choose between Chris Woakes or Moeen Ali at the time of toss. In fact, most probably Chris Woakes will make the cut into England final XI for the second Test.
The second Test match at Lord’s will take place tomorrow (9 August).
Here is England 12-man squad for the second Test match: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (w), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes.
Note: Either Chris Woakes or Moeen Ali will play tomorrow in the second Test match at Lord’s.