Poms cop another blow as top-order batsman ruled out for series as return looms for Bazball outcast

Starring down the barrel of a first home series defeat since 2001, Brendon McCullum’s men have copped another blow with first-drop batsman Ollie Pope ruled out for the remainder of the series.

The 25-year-old dislocated his right-shoulder during Australia’s first-innings, but bravely continued to play a role throughout the Test.

After making 31 and 14 in the first Test, Pope followed it up with 42 and 3 at Lord’s.

Scans on Monday confirmed Pope would require surgery.

“Scans in London on Monday revealed the full extent of the injury and he will miss the rest of the summer campaign and will require surgery,” the ECB said in a statement.

“He will work closely with the England and Surrey medical teams in respect of his rehabilitation.”

Ollie Pope injured his shoulder during Australia’s first-innings at Lord’s. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

It’s the third time Pope, who averages 34.45 from 38 Tests with four centuries, has dislocated his shoulders.

He hasn’t been replaced in the squad, paving the way for Dan Lawrence to make his comeback after being unsighted since England’s ugly tour of the West Indies in early 2022 saw a changing of the guard.

Lawrence has averaged 44.6 this season for Essex, considerably higher than his output of 551 runs from 11 Tests at 29.

Mitchell Starc celebrates after bowling Ollie Pope. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

England head to Leeds with not only the Ashes on the line but their stranglehold over Australia in England.

Indeed, not since Steve Waugh’s Australian side smashed England 4-1 in 2001 have the visitors claimed the Ashes on foreign shores.

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The best result since that tour more than two decades ago was their 2-2 draw in 2019, as Tim Paine’s men became the first Australian side to defend the Ashes since 2001 with the result.

Australia of course have their own injury issues, with off-break bowler Todd Murphy in line to replace Nathan Lyon following his series-ending calf injury.

Given the quick turnaround between Tests, it’s possible Pat Cummins’ side could tweak their fast-bowling trio with Scott Boland in the frame to return for Josh Hazlewood after back-to-back Tests.

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