'That would be the sensible thing' - Alastair Cook feels Ollie Pope should be England's No. 3 for Ashes

Published - 15 Oct 2025, 18:42 IST | Updated - 15 Oct 2025, 18:51 IST

Former English captain Alastair Cook feels Ollie Pope should bat at one drop in the upcoming Ashes Down Under. Pope could only register 306 runs in nine innings in the five-match series against India across June and August this year.

Cook justified his opinion by mentioning Pope's past credentials, both as a player and captain. He also said that placing Pope at No. 3 should be an "easy decision" for the team management.

"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," stated Cook, as quoted at the launch of TNT Sports' Ashes coverage.

The legendary batter also spoke on how the top seven's balance might get disturbed if an established figure like Pope does not bat in position or gets dropped altogether.

"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 I think that would be the sensible thing," he added.

England come into the 2025-26 Ashes after drawing the India series at home. The Three Lions have not won a single red-ball series against Australia in Australia since the 2010-11 season. With the Australian squad looking a bit diminished on resources this time around, there will be quite a lot of expectations from England to give them a tough fight.

AUS entering Ashes with worst team since 2010: Ex-ENG pacer

The five-match series is scheduled to commence on Friday, November 21. The first match will be played in Perth. All the matches barring the second one in Brisbane will be day games.