Very poor from Crawley. Got 40 but think that innings showed why he isn’t a test batter. Hits the field with too many of his good shots. Plenty of edgy shots through slips then misjudged the length of one.
What I find strange is Crawley gets hammered and yet Pope seems immune from criticism yet his record isn't great at all. Appreciate Pope isn't playing this test match but he would have been if he was fit.
His career average is about 34. Nothing to write home about. Also he seems to get starts but rarely goes on to get the really big scores. In addition he's very poor in the second innings of test matches compared to the first.
But his recent record is very good, and his average is climbing after a very poor run in the middle order at the start of his career. His name should be inked in for batting at 3 when fit, given recent struggles to get someone that can bat there.
Don't necessarily agree. I think he's got a lot of improving to do. Far too often he will get a 50 and won't go on.
Of course there’s improvement to make, and he’s only 25 years old. But his numbers batting at three are better than anyone since Trott. Who would your first choice number three be?
Here are Pope's averages from 2018-23 against each country. Australia: Average 15.70 India: Average 20.00 Ireland: Average 205.00 New Zealand: Average 36.00 Pakistan: Average 35.00 South Africa: 63.00 West Indies: 33.00 South Africa and Ireland aaide it's not very good and he's struggled massively against India and Australia. We probably don't have another number 3 to put in there but lets not make out like Pope is decent when he's anything but. He may go on to improve hugely and have a great career and I hope he does but I don't see it myself at present.
If we could only get another Trott … And a Strauss or Cook as opener !! These two young ‘uns Pope and Duckett have done alright over the last few months though
Can’t judge him on how he did 5 years ago. He averages over 40 since Stokes took over as captain. Was less than 30 under Root. Career averages can be misleading, its recent record that is more relevant. Even Anderson’s bowling average is still inflated by struggles early in his career. He is a decent batter. Wouldn’t say he’s excellent or great, but he’s definitely decent. And when fit is our best option at 3 currently.
He’s gone out on loan to Warwickshire so it seems Yorks are showing their intent ?? They have replaced him with a leftie on loan
This is torture! 105 still to get, and really only these two and Bairstow to get them. Woakes will be bounced out early. Wood might connect with a few hook shots again, but won’t be much from Broad and Robinson