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According to England’s spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel, batter Ollie Pope is expected to continue participating in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s despite re-injuring his shoulder during the third day’s play on Friday.
Pope, who serves as the vice-captain, initially injured his right shoulder while diving to stop a ball on the first day. Although he briefly left the field to apply ice, he returned to bat in England’s first innings without any apparent lasting damage.
However, on Friday, when England took the field for Australia’s second innings, Pope was informed by officials that he had to remain in the game, resulting in him hurting his shoulder once again while diving to stop another ball.”He is sore but he should be OK again to bat tomorrow,” Patel said. “He’s never going to turn down an opportunity to bat for England, and with an opportunity to win a game I can’t see Ollie Pope ever saying no to that.”
Patel said it was unclear why Pope was told he had to field on Friday, however, despite having hurt himself.
“We’re a bit bewildered by it all I suppose, we haven’t clarified that yet with the officials,” he added.
As the injury was an external one that occurred during play, Pope would normally have had the option to stay off the field as a precautionary measure. Patel said the fact Pope came out to bat may have been a factor.
Pope, who serves as the vice-captain, initially injured his right shoulder while diving to stop a ball on the first day. Although he briefly left the field to apply ice, he returned to bat in England’s first innings without any apparent lasting damage.
However, on Friday, when England took the field for Australia’s second innings, Pope was informed by officials that he had to remain in the game, resulting in him hurting his shoulder once again while diving to stop another ball.”He is sore but he should be OK again to bat tomorrow,” Patel said. “He’s never going to turn down an opportunity to bat for England, and with an opportunity to win a game I can’t see Ollie Pope ever saying no to that.”
Patel said it was unclear why Pope was told he had to field on Friday, however, despite having hurt himself.
“We’re a bit bewildered by it all I suppose, we haven’t clarified that yet with the officials,” he added.
As the injury was an external one that occurred during play, Pope would normally have had the option to stay off the field as a precautionary measure. Patel said the fact Pope came out to bat may have been a factor.
“It’s a pretty tough situation when you’ve nearly bust your shoulder and you’re being told it was an external (injury). Is it still an external? – We don’t know,” Patel said.
“But then he goes out and bats the way he did, and the match officials may have changed their decision on how he affects the game,” he said.
“I’m very certain that he’ll bat, and I’m very certain that he’ll bat at No.3, and I’m very certain he’ll be determined to score some runs for England tomorrow.”
(With agency inputs)
(AI image)
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