Alastair Cook picks batting order of Ollie Pope for the Ashes 2025-26

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Cricket fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the start of the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26 series between England and Australia, which is set to begin on November 21 at Perth Stadium. The oldest rivalry in cricket promises another enthralling contest, with both teams determined to stamp their authority early in the five-match series. England, led by Ben Stokes, will look to reclaim the Ashes on Australian soil after more than a decade, while Pat Cummins’ men will aim to maintain their stronghold at home.

The excitement surrounding the series has already started building, with former players and experts weighing in on strategies, player roles, and possible combinations. Among them, legendary former England captain Alastair Cook has made headlines with his take on the team’s batting order, particularly concerning Ollie Pope’s position.

Speaking at the launch of TNT Sports’ Ashes coverage, Cook made a strong case for Pope to retain his spot at one drop in England’s batting lineup. Pope, who struggled to make a significant impact in the recent Test series against India—scoring 306 runs across nine innings—has been under scrutiny regarding his consistency. However, Cook believes that the right-hander’s experience and leadership qualities make him an ideal candidate for the No. 3 role.

“I would bat Ollie Pope at No. 3. I think it’s quite an easy decision on this, actually. You’ve got someone who’s been part of this build-up for three or four years, he’s captained the side, he’s played some extraordinary innings for England and he’s a hundred-maker,” said Cook.

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The former skipper went on to emphasize the importance of stability within England’s top order, warning against unnecessary changes that could disrupt the team’s rhythm ahead of such a crucial series.

“If you get rid of him now, I think that changes the whole dynamic of what they’ve built up over the last year, how settled they’ll feel for that top seven. If it doesn’t work out, do you then move back to somebody you just got rid of, confidence-wise? I think it’s easy to go the other way, and that would be the sensible thing,” he added.

As the countdown to the series begins, there’s a growing sense of optimism among English supporters, many of whom still fondly remember the 2010-11 triumph when Andrew Strauss’ men defeated Australia 3-1—their first Ashes win down under in 24 years. With an experienced core and a fearless brand of cricket under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England fans hope history can repeat itself.

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