Legendary Australian batter Mark Waugh ignited a commentary field controversy on Day 1 of the Second Ashes Test in Brisbane by publicly casting doubt on England’s No. 3, Ollie Pope, referring to him dismissively as “only a participant.” Waugh’s criticism proved immediately prophetic, as Pope was dismissed by Mitchell Starc the very subsequent ball, reinforcing the Australian’s contentious stance that Pope is a ‘weak point’ within the English line-up towards high quality bowling.
Ashes 2025-26: Mark Waugh questions Ollie Pope’s worth and technical flaws
Waugh’s controversial evaluation of Pope was pushed by the batter’s latest inconsistent kind and perceived technical deficiencies on the essential quantity three place. Waugh defined his stance whereas on commentary, stating there was “a little bit of a query mark over his spot within the crew,” particularly with different younger gamers like Jacob Bethell being mentioned as options. Regardless of a fellow commentator citing Pope’s latest Take a look at common of 42 over a 12-month interval, Waugh refused to again down, insisting: “I feel he’s simply one other participant. I feel he’s their weak point at No. 3. Not saying he’s a foul participant, however I feel at this degree, towards good bowling, he’s obtained somewhat bit to show.”
Instantly after this comment, quick bowler Mitchell Starc delivered a ball that cleaned up Pope for a duck, proving Waugh proper in spectacular style. The previous Australian batsman quipped: “Do I must say anymore,” a sentiment echoed by commentator Brad Haddin, who added: “Nicely, you’re proper, Mark. He hasn’t realized from the primary Take a look at match. He may have left that ball; performed away from his physique. Huge inside edge.” The dismissal highlights Pope’s recurring points towards the transferring ball, having been dismissed for a duck alongside Ben Duckett by Starc as England slumped to five/0 early within the innings.
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Ashes 2025-26: Pope below scrutiny regardless of latest kind
Ollie Pope’s vulnerability in the beginning of the collection has positioned him firmly below the scanner, regardless of having proven flashes of good kind earlier within the 12 months. He scored back-to-back centuries in Could-June towards Zimbabwe and India, adopted by twin fifties for Surrey and warm-up scores of 100 and 90 for the England Lions. Nevertheless, his failure to transform begins within the first Ashes Take a look at in Perth (scores of 46 and 33) and his duck in Brisbane has amplified the criticism of his technical flaws, which at the moment are being exploited by the Australian tempo assault.
Compounding his struggles is the strain from the English setup, the place he was lately eliminated as vice-captain and changed by Harry Brook, suggesting a wavering confidence in his management place. Waugh’s robust phrases and Starc’s subsequent supply completely captured the doubts surrounding Pope’s potential to constantly carry out on the highest degree, significantly towards the swinging pink ball and the aggressive Australian assault. Pope’s early failure has intensified the talk over his long-term suitability for the essential No. 3 place, particularly with younger skills like Bethell respiratory down his neck.
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