England batsman Ollie Pope while speaking in the pre-fourth IND vs ENG Test Match, stated that the three lions will remain steadfast in continuing their ‘bazball’ approach in the fourth Test match. The English team faced a humiliating 434-run defeat at the hands of India in the third Test match and are currently trailing in the five-match series by 2-1. The fourth game will be played on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Ollie Pope played an innings of 196 runs in the first IND vs ENG Test match and helped England achieve a brilliant comeback in the game. The visitors were able to win the first Test match by 28 runs and would aim to repeat their performance in the fourth match as well. The visitors firmly dominated the match after the end of day 2 but the Indian bowlers fought back and then never allowed the three lions to come back.
Ollie Pope opens up about England’s approach in IND vs ENG fourth Test match
Ollie Pope praised Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj and added that the team will not change the way they play. While India will rest Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently the series’ leading wicket-taker, Pope believes that the Indian bowling attack remains lethal and they will not let down their star pacer.
Ollie Papa said, “He’s going to be a failure for them, but that doesn’t change the way we act. Mohammed Siraj also bowled well in the last game and picked four wickets. We are not going to change the way we play. “There would still be a reverse swing and there are still other guys.”
Ollie Pope also gave his opinion on the viral images that are going viral on social media in which he can be seen bowling. Pope stated that the English captain has not confirmed whether he will bowl in the next match or not. Ollie Papa said, “There is definitely a possibility but Ben Stokes hasn’t confirmed he will bowl. It depends on how he stops tomorrow.”
Ollie Pope also spoke about the atmosphere in the England dressing room after the third Test match. Pope stated that he was disappointed how the three lions played on the third and fourth day of the Rajkot Test. He added that the team is fresh and ready to play again.
Ollie Papa said, “It was disappointing how we played the last two days in Rajkot, but we left it at that. The vibe in the group is very good. The boys are fresh and ready to start again. We left the ground frustrated. Disappointing in the way we did not execute our plans. There is nothing bad in the way. In India, it is about fine margins.”
India would also be hoping to continue their winning momentum in the fourth Test match and win the series in Ranchi. India leads the five-match series 2-1. On February 23, 2024, the fourth Test match will be played, in which the visitors would also like to turn around the series and level the competition.
