Ashes 2023: England vice-captain Ollie Pope undergoes successful shoulder surgery, shares update

England and Australia have been entertaining fans with some exhilarating cricket during the ongoing Ashes. Both teams are putting everything on the line to get hold of the prestigious Ashes urn. There have been a few casualties along the way as well.

While Australia's premier off-spinner Nathan Lyon suffered a calf injury during the second Test at Lord's, England's vice-captain Ollie Pope dislocated his shoulder while fielding in the same match. Both players were ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes with their unfortunate injuries.

Pope, 25, took to Twitter on July 19, Wednesday and revealed that he had undergone successful shoulder surgery. He posted a picture of himself where he is sporting a smile and also giving a thumbs up. Fans have flooded the tweet with messages praying for his speedy recovery.

"Surgery a success," the right-handed batter wrote in the caption.

Surgery a success 🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/yBMQVaQP3q

— Ollie Pope (@OPope32) July 19, 2023

In the two Test matches he played, the stylish batter scored 90 runs, with his highest score coming in the first innings of the second Test at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.

England struggling to find No. 3 batter

Ollie Pope has been a dependable player for England at No. 3, especially under Ben Stokes' regime. He scored 410 runs in the five matches he played in 2023. He is also a perfect fit for England's 'Bazball' ploy as he scored his runs at a healthy strike rate.

In the third Ashes Test at Headingley, Leeds, England sent the promising Harry Brook at No. 3. The youngster failed to get going as he departed for just three runs. The hosts tried an out-of-the-box strategy in the second innings as they sent in all-rounder Moeen Ali at the crucial No. 3 spot. The experienced campaigner was dismissed by Mitchell Starc, who was in the middle of a fiery spell.

The home side eventually won the contest by three wickets. They will hope that the absence of Pope would not haunt them too much as they need to win the last two Tests to win the urn.