Ashish Ranjan
Ollie Pope has been retained in England’s selection for the third Ashes 2023 Test despite an injury scare. Immediately following their loss in the Lord’s Test on Sunday, July 2, England named a 15-man squad for the third game, which will begin on Thursday, July 6 at Headingley. Despite a shoulder ailment, Pope batted in both innings of the second test.
The 25-year-old is reportedly scheduled to undergo scans, and if the results are unfavorable, he may miss the upcoming contest. If he is unable to play, England will be forced to select Dan Lawrence, the only batsman in the squad who can replace Pope. Due to his injury, Moeen Ali was not included in the lineup for the second game, but he is expected to participate in the upcoming match.
Rehan Ahmed was added to the England squad prior to the second Test, but he has been omitted for the third match, indicating Moeen’s likely return. In addition to the four seamers who participated in the Lord’s Test, England has included Chris Woakes and Mark Wood in the roster as seam bowling options.
England has suffered a significant setback in the Ashes 2023 series, having lost both the first and second Tests. Both contests were fiercely contested, with the visitors claiming victory on the final day. While Pat Cummins’ exploits contributed to Australia’s victory in Birmingham, the bowlers’ teamwork in the second match enabled Australia to take a 2-0 lead.
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One more victory will be enough for Australia to retain the Ashes, but the remaining three Tests will be crucial for the hosts to reclaim the trophy.
England squad for third Ashes Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
