We are not going to change how we play: Ollie Pope

In the wake of England's bruising defeat against India in the third Test, vice-captain Ollie Pope has stood firm, backing the team's game plan ahead of the crucial fourth Test in Ranchi. Despite the recent setbacks, Pope maintains that England won't be swayed from their approach, vouching for consistency in their gameplay.

Critics have been quick to question the effectiveness of 'Bazball' after England's successive losses. The team, once in control after Ben Duckett's impressive century, faltered, conceding a significant lead and ultimately collapsing for a meager 122 in the final innings of the third Test.

Facing mounting criticism, Ollie Pope emphasized that England would stick to their strategy, irrespective of the opposition's bowling attack. With India resting Bumrah for the upcoming match, Pope acknowledged the absence but highlighted the threat posed by other Indian bowlers.

"He is going to be a miss for them but it doesn’t change the way we go about. Mohammed Siraj bowled well in the last game too, picked four wickets. We are not going to change how we play. There would still be reverse swing and there are still other guys," Pope affirmed during a pre-match press conference in Ranchi.

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Addressing the recent defeat, Pope acknowledged the team's disappointment but highlighted a positive dressing room atmosphere. Despite the setback, he expressed confidence and said that the guys are fresh and ready to go again. 

"It was disappointing how we played on last two days in Rajkot but we have left it there. The vibe in the group is very good. Guys are fresh and ready to go again. We left the ground frustrated. Disappointing in the way we didn't execute our plans. Nothing wrong with the way. In India, it's about fine margins," Pope added.

Looks like a very interesting pitch: Pope

Looking ahead to the Ranchi Test, Pope provided insights into the pitch conditions and said that it looks like a very interesting pitch. 

"Looks like a very interesting pitch. Plenty of platy cracks, one half is good. The other half has flaky cracks, look like. Not a very belter kind of surface. So let’s see what happens when India have a look at it later in the day. Every chance India can play an extra spinner - Axar Patel definitely an option for them. They have watered the pitch so potentially an extra spinner could be seen from India," the English vice-captain concluded

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