Michael Vaughan has sharply criticized Ollie Pope’s performance as captain and his recent struggles with the bat. Vaughan’s remarks came amid Pope’s disappointing run in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, where his form and leadership have come under scrutiny.

Michael Vaughan questions Ollie Pope’s captaincy credentials

On the BBC’s Test Match Special podcast, Vaughan expressed skepticism about Pope’s suitability as England’s captain. Vaughan described Pope as ‘insecure’ and argued that he lacks the commanding presence typically associated with effective leadership.

“I don’t like him as the captain. He’s not the kind of personality I’d want as the England captain. He’s quite an insecure human being – a great team guy and person but throwing the captaincy on him has added the pressure. He was doing great at number three. Harry Brook, for me, is an England captain in the making. I don’t see Ollie Pope as that person,”  Vaughan said.

Analysis of Pope’s batting struggles

Pope has struggled with the bat since assuming the captaincy due to Ben Stokes‘ hamstring injury. His recent scores of 6, 6, and 1 have raised concerns, culminating in a single-digit dismissal on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. Vaughan criticized Pope’s batting approach, labeling it as ‘frantic’ and noting that he appeared overly eager to make contact with the ball.

“He has to change. He can’t just keep going like that. If you look at his first ball today, it’s a length ball, probably four or five inches outside off stump. All right, there’s extra bounce, but most players will leave it – you just leave it. He’s so anxious to get bat on ball,” the former England captain remarked.

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Statistical review and technique concerns

Vaughan scrutinized Pope’s statistics at number three, where his average has dropped to 24.66 in his last 15 innings, compared to a more impressive 41.53 from 2022 to early 2024. This decline includes a notable 196 against India earlier this year. Vaughan suggested that Pope needs to revise his technique and approach to improve his performance.

“I totally agree with Cookie [Alastair Cook] that he needs to try and change a mechanism and a different approach because for a number three, those stats aren’t great. They’re not good at all. And when the attacks get better, and they will do in a year’s time, you just have to have a composure. You number three, usually is the calmest player, because you’ve lost a wicket, and your job then is to send the message to the dressing room: ‘Don’t worry, things are fine out here,’ and usually you’re up against it. Those stats are glaring, and Ollie has to work something out inside himself,” the cricketer-turned-commentator stated.

Comparison with Joe Root

Vaughan recommended that Pope observe Joe Root’s approach to batting. Root’s mental resilience and well-defined pre-batting routine have been hallmarks of his success. Vaughan highlighted Root’s disciplined preparation, which includes stretching, warming up, and a clear mental process.

“I’m amazed that with all the psychologists and the backroom staff that England have that they can’t just calm him down a little bit and give him more of an opportunity. Look at Joe Root, who has the most amazing mentality. He comes out to bat with an amazing routine: he stretches and touches his toes, gets his legs going and sprints on. I don’t know if I look at Ollie Pope and see a routine or a process,” Vaughan concluded.

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