England call up 21-year-old batsman Ollie Pope as cover for Jason Roy

Jason Roy was struck on the neck during training on Tuesday and although the 29-year-old passed required concussion protocols on Wednesday, England have decided to have an extra option for the 3rd Ashes Test.

Ollie Pope has played only two Tests in his career, both against India last year (Twitter/SurreyCricket)

England’s Ollie Pope has been added to their squad as cover for fellow batsman Jason Roy ahead of the third Ashes Test against Australia starting at Headingley on Thursday, his county side Surrey said on Wednesday.

Roy was struck on the neck during training on Tuesday and although the 29-year-old passed required concussion protocols on Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to have an extra option at the top of the order.

Surrey confirmed 21-year-old Pope’s inclusion in a tweet.

Ollie Pope has been called up to Leeds to act as standby for Jason Roy for the third #Ashes Test and will play no further part in our @CountyChamp match with @hantscricket. 👏 pic.twitter.com/LCxQ5sbuHS

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) August 21, 2019

Incidentally, Pope scored his highest first class score – 221 not out – just before the news broke on Wednesday.

DECLARED: Surrey skipper Ben Foakes has called in the batsmen, with the score 579/7d and a lead of 212.

Ollie Pope finishes on an incredible 221 not out. 👏 pic.twitter.com/gBDtg1oKeS

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) August 21, 2019

Pope has played only two tests in his career — both against India last year — scoring 54 runs in three innings before picking up a shoulder injury that required surgery.

He scored an unbeaten 221 off 337 balls in the County Championship clash against Hampshire at The Oval on Wednesday before heading to Leeds.

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Australia batsman Steve Smith was ruled out of the third test due to the concussion he suffered at Lord’s in the drawn second test.

The visitors lead the series 1-0 having won the first test by 251 runs.

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