xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: England received a big setback ahead of the first test match against England which starts today in Nottingham, as middle order batsman Ollie Pope has been ruled out. Pope is yet to fully recover from a thigh injury that he suffered during the T20 Blast for Surrey. As per reports in Telegraph, Pope has been ruled out. Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow will replace Pope in the playing XI for the first test.

Ollie Pope was thinking about establishing his place in England’s middle order. He has been out of form in the last 16 innings for England where he has failed to cross 34 (against India).The 23-year-old has played 6 Tests against India managing just 207 runs at a below-par average of 18.82. Overall, he has represented England in 19 Tests managing 882 runs. It includes a ton and five fifties.

Earlier all rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn from the upcoming 5-match series citing mental health concerns. Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes are also injured. So, it does put Joe Root and his team under a bit of pressure going into the first test of the series.

England squad (likely): Joe Root (c), Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Jack Leach/Dominic Bess, Mark Wood/Ollie Robinson, Sam Curran, James Anderson,  Stuart Broad