Despite Ashes axe, Ollie Pope remains hopeful of England Test team return
India Today
Ollie Pope remains hopeful of an England comeback after being dropped during the Ashes 2025-26, as he aims to regain form in county cricket. Pope admitted that him being dropped during the series against Australia was the right call in the end.
Ollie Pope said he remains hopeful of making a return to the England team after being axed from the side during the Ashes 2025-26. Pope said that him getting dropped during the Ashes was the right call as England ended up being thrashed 1-4 by Australia. After scoring only 125 runs across six innings in England’s 4-1 Ashes loss to Australia in January, Pope was left out of the side, with Jacob Bethell stepping in at No. 3 for the final two Tests.
At the moment, Pope's path back into the team remains uncertain as Bethell has excelled England in all three formats for the game, which includes an Ashes hundred in Sydney and a 105 against India during the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026.
"I guess I knew where I stood," Pope said.
"Getting dropped is tough. I didn't want to get dropped of course, but it was the right decision at the time."
Despite being dropped, Pope said that communication with coach Brendon McCullum and Director of Cricket Rob Key has remained clear. The 28-year-old said that the aim will be to take his game to the next level and keeping himself ready for his chance.
"For me the chats were just 'go back, score loads of runs,'" he said.
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