England batsman Ollie Pope is going to remain out of action until at least the start of the Test series between India and England due to a thigh injury. He sustained the injury during a Vitality Blast game for Surrey against Kent on July 2.
The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is also doubtful of featuring in the first Test of the series. England’s home Test series against India is all set to commence on August 04 in Nottingham.
“Pope has been ruled out until England’s LV= Insurance Test Series against India after suffering a left thigh muscle injury. The ECB and Surrey fitness teams will work together to deliver Pope’s rehabilitation with a focus for him to be available to return for the first Test against India,” ECB informed in an official statement.
The Test would be a massive opportunity for Ollie Pope, who has not yet crossed the 35-run mark in the 15 Test innings he had played so far, as it could give him the chance to retain his spot in the Test squad.
Although the fitness and rehabilitation team of England and Surrey is committed to working for the talented batter’s recovery before the series opener, if he is unable to participate, it could open doors for the No. 1 T20I batsman Dawid Malan. Malan is currently playing in the ODI series against Pakistan. Dan Lawrence may also be under contention.
Malan seems to be in a robust form and continues to impress with his consistency and temperament. His latest brilliant stint includes the Ben Stokes-led team’s first ODI win against Pakistan at the Sophia Gardens on Thursday. He played a beautiful knock of an unbeaten 68 runs and stitched a partnership of 120 runs with Zak Crawley for the second wicket to take the team to a breezy victory.
Pope’s injury has also put his participation in the inaugural season of The Hundred tournament, which is set to start on July 22, in jeopardy. He was due to represent Welsh Fire.
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