Ashes 2023: Ollie Pope doubtful starter for third Test, set to undergo scans

In their quest of reclaiming the Ashes, England came out with their ultra-aggressive 'Bazball' approach in the first Test at Edgbaston. However, Australia emerged victorious by two wickets. The hosts have been working hard on winning the second Test at Lord's and will be hopign to win the series after the initial defeat, but facing Australia hasn't been that easy for the,. 

To make matters worse for Ben Stokes' men, one of their premier batters, Ollie Pope, hurt his right shoulder while fielding on Day 2 at the 'Home of Cricket'. The injury was further aggravated on Day 3. Pope, who is also England's vice-captain, managed to bat in both innings. In the first innings, he scored 42 off 63 balls while in the second innings, he was dismissed by an unplayable delivery from Mitchell Starc.

The second Test ends on July 2 while the third Test begins on July 6. With the short turnaround, Pope's participation in the upcoming Test remains in doubt. The right-handed batter will have his scans done on Monday, as per a report from The Guardian. Once the reports arrive, Pope's condition will be further assessed and a call on his participation in the Leed's Test could be taken.

In case Pope fails to recover in time for the third Test, England might bring in Dan Lawrence in the playing XI, who is already in the squad. The 25-year-old has played 11 Tests for England and has scored 551 runs at an average of 29. His stats for Essex have been impressive this season as he has scored his runs at an average of 44.60 in the County Championship.

Ben Stokes fighting a lone battle as Australia smell victory at Lunch on Day 5

Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes resumed England's innings on Day 5 at 114/4, still requiring 257 runs for an epic win. The two left-handers added 63 runs before Duckett was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood. Jonny Bairstow was the next batter to depart as he was run out by Alex Carey when he left his crease after ducking a bouncer from Cameron Green.

Stuart Broad joined his captain at the crease and the star all-rounder went on a boundary-hitting spree. Stokes reached his century in the process by hitting a six off Green. At Lunch on Day 5, England were placed at 243/6, with Stokes on 108* and Broad on 1*.