England's top order batter Ollie Pope has had a tough time against Jasprit Bumrah. Pope getting bowled by Bumrah's yorker was even shown on the big screen in Coldplay's concerts in India. After five dismissals in nine Tests against India's pace-attack leader, Pope has come with a plan to nullify the threat at home in the five-Test series. Pope intends to have his trigger moment a little earlier this time.
“Maybe getting my trigger in a bit earlier just to give myself a bit more time. He’s one of those bowlers that, with his action and where he releases it from, doesn’t necessarily clock the high speeds that some of the guys clock, but it certainly feels like it’s that bit quicker. With the skills he’s got as well, it’s being aware of that,” Pope told The Times ahead of the Headingley Test.
Pope wants to rotate strike against Bumrah
In addition, Pope wants to ensure Bumrah does not lock in and set him up for a wicket. He will look to rotate strike. He wants to keep it as simple as possible.
"Right, how can I rotate and get to the other end? And my partner’s thinking the same, so he [Bumrah] doesn’t get six balls at you in a row and use all his skills. He’s a highly skilled bowler, one of the best in the world, if not the best,” Pope said.
“There’s no hiding behind that. But I’m sure everyone has different methods to try and nullify his main threats and figure out their scoring areas. It’s really about keeping it as simple as possible,” he added.
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Pope over Bethell
Pope has been rewarded for his 170-run knock against Zimbabwe and slotted at no.3 ahead of young Jacob Bethell in the playing XI for Headingley Test. However, the approach he described against Bumrah does not align with the 'Bazball' method that has made England successful at home.
Meanwhile, captain Ben Stokes has said that his team does not fear Jasprit Bumrah as one bowler won't win the series for either side. It will be interesting to see how Pope battles it out against Bumrah in the next few days in Headingley.