Former England captain Michael Vaughan has declared that Ollie Pope's place in the Test side is under a "huge amount of threat" following England's comprehensive eight-wicket defeat to Australia in Brisbane. The loss leaves Ben Stokes's team 2-0 down in the Ashes series with three matches to play.
Brisbane Defeat Piles Pressure on England
The tourists now face a mountainous task to retain the urn after Australia cruised to victory at the Gabba on the fourth day of the pink-ball Test. Despite a magnificent, drought-breaking century from Joe Root in England's first innings—his first ever in Australia—the home side responded with an emphatic total of 511.
Key contributions came from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc, who all passed fifty. A late, unbroken stand of 65 between Ben Stokes and Will Jacks in England's second innings set Australia a target of just 65 runs, which they knocked off in a mere ten overs. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith sealed the win by smashing Jofra Archer for six.
Vaughan's Scathing Assessment and Radical Suggestions
Analysing the defeat for Cricbuzz, Vaughan pinpointed England's disastrous sessions as the root cause. "When England have a really bad session it's an awful session," he stated. "It's losing them Test matches." He also praised Australia's bowling, particularly Michael Neser's maiden five-wicket haul, describing the attack as "very English-style" seamers who outbowled their counterparts.
Looking ahead to the must-win third Test in Adelaide, Vaughan insisted changes are inevitable. He singled out Pope's problematic position at number three. "Ollie Pope's position... has to come under a huge amount of threat," Vaughan explained.
He then proposed a significant reshuffle, suggesting captain Ben Stokes could move up to bat at number three. "He's such a leader, he's got such a good technique and he likes the fight," Vaughan argued. This would allow Will Jacks to slot in at six. While Vaughan mentioned young batter Jacob Bethell as another option, he expressed doubts over his readiness given his lack of a first-class century.
Mentality Questions Loom for Stokes's Squad
The post-mortem from the Gabba will be stern. Stokes himself appeared emotional after the match and questioned the character and fight within his squad. Vaughan concurred that mentality is the major issue plaguing the touring party.
"The big thing for this England side is the mentality," Vaughan concluded. With the bowling attack also under scrutiny, and questions over whether to select a quicker bowler for the Adelaide Oval, England's management have a plethora of difficult decisions to make before the next Test as they fight to keep the series alive.
