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Everyone is susceptible – Brendon McCullum defends Ollie Pope’s nervy starts
England's Ollie Pope batting during day two of the second Ashes test match at Lord's, London, June 29, 2023
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BRENDON McCULLUM urged Ollie Pope to loosen up early on in his innings but pointed out England’s vice-captain is not alone in having a reputation as a nervy starter.
Pope has had mixed fortunes in India. A career-defining 196 underpinned a famous England triumph in Hyderabad but the number three batter has amassed a combined 89 runs in his other seven knocks.
He has been accused of being on edge when first arriving at the crease and faced just three deliveries in Ranchi without scoring as India moved into an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match Test series.
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