ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023: Why is Ollie Pope Not Playing England vs Australia 3rd Test? Check ENG Playing 11

The big breaking news update coming in is that England’s premier batsman Ollie Pope will not be taking any further part in the remainder of the Ashes 2023 five-match Test series against Australia due to a shoulder injury. The third Test match between England and Australia is scheduled to start from 6 July, 2023 at the Headingley in Leeds. Hosts England suffered a disappointing 43-run defeat in the second Test match at the hands of Australia and the Ben Stokes-led team are currently trailing 0-2 in the five-match Ashes 2023 Test series.

ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023: Why is Ollie Pope Not Playing England vs Australia 3rd Test?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have revealed that Ollie Pope has dislocated his shoulder during the second Test match against Australia for which he will require a surgery. England’s vice-captain sustained the injury while fielding on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test match as he made a diving stop and was seen clutching his shoulder immediately. However, he did came out to bat in both the innings, but looked totally uncomfortable while fielding in the second innings. Pope scored 42 runs in the first innings of the second Test and recently also notched up a brilliant double hundred against Ireland.

England are yet to name a replacement for the upcoming third Test match starting from Thursday. It is very much likely that Dan Lawrence will be straightaway included in the playing XI. With the likes of Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad present in the line-up, it will be interesting to see who gets to be named as the England vice-captain.

“Scans in London on Monday revealed the full extent of the injury and he will miss the rest of the summer campaign and will require surgery. He will work closely with the England and Surrey medical teams in respect of his rehabilitation,” the ECB said in a statement on Tuesday (July 4).

ENG Playing 11

1. Ben Duckett
2. Zak Crawley
3. Dan Lawrence
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Ben Stokes (c)
7. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
8. Josh Tongue/Moeen Ali
9. Stuart Broad
10. Ollie Robinson
11. Mark Wood

England squad for Third Test of Ashes 2023

Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Moeen Ali.