Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the much-anticipated Ashes 2025-26 series between England And Australiawhich is scheduled to begin on November 21 at Perth Stadium. Cricket’s oldest rivalry promises another thrilling contest, with both teams determined to assert their authority as the five-match series begins. England, led by Ben Stokeswill seek to recover the ashes on Australian soil after more than a decade, while Patrick Cummins“The men will aim to maintain their stronghold at home.
Excitement around the series has already started to build, with former players and experts weighing in on strategies, player roles and possible combinations. Among them, the legendary former England captain Alastair Cook made headlines with his views on the team’s batting order, particularly regarding Ollie Popethe position of.
Alastair Cook picks Ollie Pope’s batting position
Speaking at the launch of TNT Sports’ Ashes coverage, Cook made a strong case for Pope to retain his place in England’s batting line-up. Pope, who struggled to make a significant impact in the recent Test series against India – scoring 306 runs in nine innings – has come under scrutiny over his consistency. However, Cook believes the right-hander’s experience and leadership qualities make him an ideal candidate for the No. 3 role.
“I would bat Ollie Pope at number 3. I think it’s a pretty easy decision to make on that, actually. You’ve got someone who’s been in this line-up for three or four years, he’s captain of the team, he’s played some extraordinary innings for England and he’s a hundred player,” Cook said.
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The former skipper went on to highlight the importance of stability within England’s top order, warning against unnecessary changes which could disrupt the team’s rhythm ahead of such a crucial series.
“If you get rid of him now, I think it changes the whole dynamic of what they’ve built over the last year, how settled they’ll feel in the top seven. If that doesn’t work, do you then go back to someone you just got rid of, in terms of confidence? I think it’s easy to go the other way, and that would be the most sensible thing.” he added.
England aim to replicate their 2011 Ashes glory
As the countdown begins, a sense of optimism grows among England supporters, many of whom still fondly remember the 2010-11 triumph when André StraussThe men beat Australia 3-1, their first Ashes victory in 24 years. With an experienced core and a fearless brand of cricket under the leadership of Stokes and his coach Brendon McCullumEngland fans hope history can repeat itself.
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