Trescothick hints Pope will be retained at three

Marcus Trescothick suggested that Ollie Pope will continue as England’s first-choice number three for the Ashes, indicating the team is «very steady» in its selections.

England is set to face off against the England Lions in their sole Ashes warm-up match in Perth starting Thursday, likely fielding a lineup similar to that expected for the first Test on November 21.

Pope has faced competition for his position from Jacob Bethell throughout the previous year.

When questioned about who would take on the role in the tour match, Trescothick, the England assistant coach, informed BBC Sport: «I assume it will be the same type of number three we’ve used for a while.»

He further stated: «All I can say is that we are a very stable team in our approach.»

Pope has a batting average of 41.60 at number three for England, though tends to diminish in form as series progress. During the home summer, he notched a century in his first innings of the series against India but surpassed 50 only once in his subsequent eight innings.

Upon the announcement of England’s Ashes squad, Pope was replaced by Harry Brook as vice-captain, seemingly putting him at a greater risk of exclusion from the team.

At that time, cricket director Rob Key remarked that Pope was the «individual currently holding» the number-three spot.

Bethell, aged 22, is a promising talent and recorded his first professional century in a one-day international against South Africa last September.

The left-handed batsman participated in England’s white-ball tour of New Zealand last month, albeit managing only a top score of 24 in five innings.

Bethell is expected to be included in the tour match as well. Any Ashes squad members not part of England’s XI for the three-day match will join the Lions XI.

With a single practice match prior to the first Test, England aims to increase the intensity during the game at Lilac Hill. Captain Ben Stokes, who typically skips warm-up matches, is anticipated to return to play for the first time since July due to a shoulder recovery.

Despite this, former England opener Trescothick stated that performances in the warm-up are unlikely to change decisions for the first Test against Australia at Optus Stadium.

«I suppose everyone will have a chance to prove their worth,» he remarked. «As mentioned, our team selection consistency has been very high.

«With the exception of a few injuries, we haven’t significantly altered the lineup. A drastic change before an Ashes series is unlikely, regardless of whether someone claims five wickets or scores 150.»

«The team has remained stable for a reason, so that when big series come, we are more settled and confident.»

Stokes is crucial to England’s prospects and is poised to contribute fully as an all-rounder in the first Test.

The 34-year-old has not been in action since missing the last Test against India. He bowled at full pace in practice on Tuesday and will bat in preparation on Wednesday.

«Provided he feels good and content, he will engage fully in the Test matches,» Trescothick remarked regarding the captain.

Fast bowler Mark Wood may also see his first action since February after recovering from knee surgery.

«He’s doing well,» Trescothick noted. «He’s currently taking care of his body and keeping the knee in good shape.

«If he’s running in and bowling at the required level and the medical team are satisfied with his condition – which I believe they are – he will definitely be in the running like everyone else.»

Trescothick also stood up for England’s approach to preparations. Traditionally, Ashes tours involve multiple warm-up games, yet under captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England has not played more than one tour match in their overseas endeavours over the past three years.

This strategy has proven beneficial – they have won the first Test in all five of these series.

Nevertheless, several former players have questioned England’s method, including legendary all-rounder Lord Botham while in Melbourne on Tuesday.

«That’s not how I would prepare,» Botham stated.

«Historically, acclimatizing is essential when you arrive here. Remember, there are 24 million people down here, not just 11. This should be factored in.»

However, Trescothick countered: «The way cricket is played has significantly evolved.

«Our approach for this series is no different than what we did when we traveled to New Zealand, Pakistan, or other places. It’s also similar to how India or Australia approach tours to England.

«While I acknowledge the discussions, the sheer amount of cricket being played globally is limiting our options.

«The challenge of playing five Test matches alongside two or three warm-up matches is quite complex. We’ve got confidence in what we’re aiming to achieve.»