England suffer blow as Pope ruled out of Ashes

England suffered a major Ashes setback on Tuesday as Ollie Pope, the England No.3 batter, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes due to a shoulder injury.

According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Pope dislocated his right shoulder during the second Test for which he will require surgery.

The 25-year-old underwent scans on his right shoulder that showed he needs surgery, forcing him to the sidelines for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

England are likely to replace vice-captain Pope with Dan Lawrence for the third Test starting on Thursday at Headingley.

Lawrence won the last of his 11 Test caps last March and has not played since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took charge of the side.

England have decided not to call up any additional batting cover.

“England and Surrey batter Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the rest of the Ashes series after dislocating his right shoulder during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s last week,” an England and Wales Cricket Boar statement said.

“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.

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

England are trailing 2-0 in the five-match series after losing at Lord’s.

They are attempting to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015, while Australia have not won in England since 2001.