Ashes 2025-26: England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick expects Ollie Pope to retain No. 3 spot

England's assistant coach and former cricketer Marcus Trescothick has hinted that Ollie Pope will bat at No. 3 in the upcoming Ashes Down Under. Pope last featured for England in their five-match Test series against India earlier this year.

Although the erstwhile left-handed batter did not take names, he alluded to Pope retaining the spot. Trescothick also spoke on how England are against making too many changes as they believe in backing players.

"I'm presuming the same sort of number three we've had for a period of time. I can only say we are a very consistent team in what we're trying to do. I guess everyone has an opportunity to stake their claim. As I mentioned, how consistent we've been with our team selection, it's been very level," Trescothick was quoted as saying by BBC.

He also mentioned that there is a high probability that the team for the Ashes remains the same as the one deployed against India at home.

"Bar the odd injury, we've not really chopped and changed a great deal. It's definitely not going to change dramatically before the start of an Ashes series because someone puts their hand up by taking five wickets or gets 150. The team has been what it has been for a period of time for a reason, so that when you come to big series you are more settled and confident going into it," he added.

Pope's most recent red-ball games came for Surrey in September in Division One of the County Championship. His scores read 50, 78, 11 and 41 across four innings.

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The last time England won a Test series Down Under was in the 2010-11 season. They will aim to break the jinx and go for the urn this time around. With an overall strong squad, the series promises to be a high-octane one.