Former England captain Nasser Hussain has pointed to Ollie Pope’s brief and “chaotic” innings as the moment that set the tone for England’s latest batting collapse on day two of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Pope managed just three runs from 10 balls before falling in a frenetic passage of play that saw England lose three wickets in the space of two-and-a-half overs before lunch. On a surface widely regarded as ideal for batting, the tourists slid from a steady 37 without loss to a troubled 42 for three.
While Harry Brook showed some resistance with 45 and captain Ben Stokes battled through to stumps unbeaten on the same score, England closed the day on 213 for eight, still 158 runs behind Australia. According to Hussain, their Ashes hopes are now “hanging by a thread”.
“Pope’s short stay at the crease once again looked frenetic,” Hussain said on Sky Sports.
“It’s not just the lack of runs or the dismissals — it sets a tone for the rest of the innings.”
Hussain explained that England’s number three should either apply pressure to the opposition or calm the situation, particularly on a benign pitch.
“What you want from a number three is someone who can put pressure back on the bowlers, like a Ricky Ponting, Viv Richards or David Gower,” he said.
“Or someone like Jonathan Trott who can just shut the moment down, ease the dressing room and remind everyone that it’s still a very good surface.”
Instead, Hussain felt Pope’s approach only heightened the sense of uncertainty within the batting line-up.
“He doesn’t seem to do either,” Hussain added.
“He still looks a bit chaotic. From well outside off stump, he ends up chipping one to short midwicket, and suddenly you’re 41 for two on a flat pitch that you’re making look like a minefield.”
With England once again failing to capitalise on favourable conditions, the scrutiny on their batting order is set to intensify as Australia continue to tighten their grip on the Ashes in Adelaide
