Ollie Pope is one of several English cricketers eagerly anticipating Ben Stokes’ performance in the IPL.
Stokes made the decision to honour his commitment to Chennai Super Kings despite being concerned about his left knee. England’s Test captain is currently two games into his assignment and even bowled in the victory over Lucknow SuperGiants on Monday, albeit one over that went for 18. He was strengthened by a cortisone shot before flying out to India.
All fingers are crossed that Ben Stokes returns in one piece before the Ashes summer, despite assurances from the man himself that he won’t take unnecessary risks and the assurances offered by head coach Brendon McCullum that the medical staff at Chennai – one of McCullum’s former franchises – will take care of Stokes.
The Pope’s issue is a little complicated. While Pope served as the official vice-captain during the winter, Stuart Broad assumed the position during the summer of 2022.
Pope captained two warm-up games, first against the England Lions in Abu Dhabi before the Pakistan tour in December and then in New Zealand before the two-match series in February.
Despite the fact that they were both low-key affairs (two-day games that Stokes opted to skip), the England management offered Pope the chance to strengthen his leadership skills, and they were pleased with what they witnessed.
Stokes has been hesitant to formally appoint a deputy. However, Pope is obviously the next in line should pope be unable to play at any stage this summer. He might even decide to skip the Ireland Test at Lord’s, which starts on June 1.
The Pope supports himself to complete the task, even though he hopes not. He led Surrey in a County Championship game against Glamorgan in September 2021, which was his only previous experience playing competitive cricket.
“It’s not a conversation that’s been had, it’s just something that if it comes about, then I feel confident,” Pope said. “I feel the cricket brain’s good enough to allow that to happen. Whether they choose to do that in a Test, I honestly no idea.
“Fingers crossed, touch wood – his [Stokes] knee’s all good. Firstly, that’s not something we’ve spoken about. I don’t know if Stokesy did go down, I’m not sure who would do it to be honest, we’ve not spoken about it.
“There’s really one Ben Stokes, isn’t there, in England. And I think that’s something that if he did get injured and someone had to do it, no one is going to try and replicate exactly what he does, but take the ideas he implemented into the team.”
“Do it slightly in their own way, but continue the messages that he provides if someone were to do it if he did get injured. Again, touch wood, he’s all good.”
Pope appreciated being in charge of those exhibition games and feels it has changed the way he approaches the field. He kept a closer eye on Stokes during the five Test matches England won in Pakistan and New Zealand, four of them:
“What he does with the bowlers and what he does with the fields and how he talks to his bowlers as well.”
He seems to have learned from those experiences since he was a more active participant in games, whether Stokes asked his advice between overs or he offered his own strategic recommendations.
The way Pope has grown into a more senior member of the team and taken on more responsibility as the No. 3 hitter in this exciting new edition of the Test team has captured the attention of coaches in particular.
In the end, it will be his main priority this summer. Pope has significantly improved after switching to first-drop, averaging 41.63 in 12 caps, compared to the 28.66 across the previous 13.
The strike rate of 75.04, in keeping with the optimistic outlook promoted by Stokes and McCullum, is equally impressive as the two centuries and five fifties in that span of time.
Pope believes that the two of them have improved his game. Both the mental shift and the confidence placed in him have been extremely beneficial to him.
Last year at this time, after being benched following a motivating Ashes series in which England lost 4-0 and Pope averaged 11.16 from three Test matches, Pope bravely made the decision to call up the recently appointed Stokes and ask for a promotion up the order. Both sides took a chance, which has paid off.
“I feel a much better player,” Pope said. “I’ve got a better defence and a better game plan. That’s come through just constantly playing.
“Our new mindset in that England team means I go into a Test series really excited for it, rather than thinking: ‘Oh, if I miss out this time, I hope it’s not going to be my last.’
“They should be the best times of your life, playing for England, and they’ve Stokes and McCullum made that pretty clear. Your career’s too short for you not to love those moments so that’s a good message for me. You’ve got to enjoy it while you’re there.”
Thursday’s matchup at Old Trafford between Surrey and Lancashire marks the start of Surrey’s County Championship title defence. It will be the first of six games they can use Pope in before the start of the international season.
His goal right now is to get the team off to a solid start in Division One after contributing 700 runs at an average of 70 the previous time around. He will then allow himself to become excited about the difficulties that lie ahead, especially those five Test matches against Australia.
“What worked for me last year was that when I was at Surrey and I was around for the start of the Championship, I didn’t necessarily think I was going to be playing for England. I wasn’t thinking about England.
“That’s going to be my plan again this year. I’ve got half an eye on it just from a mental and physical state, so you know you can peak at the right time.”
“But while I’m here I’m going to 100 percent concentrate on this because that’s what’ll put me in good stead for the Ashes. It’s something to really look forward to, something I’m really excited for. But while you’re here in a Surrey shirt, why not enjoy this as well?”