Stokes Blasts Media Over Pope Speculation as England Dominates Test

England captain Ben Stokes launched a fierce criticism of media outlets, accusing them of pushing “agendas” against vice-captain Ollie Pope. His strong remarks came after England secured a commanding victory by an innings and 45 runs in just three days, a match where Pope himself scored a century alongside Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Stokes clarified that he had personally assured Pope of his secure position before the Test, despite swirling speculation that stemmed from misinterpreted comments about Jacob Bethell.
Stokes’s defense of Pope was unequivocal, emphasizing his value not only as a batsman but as a crucial “leader” and “vice-captain” on whom he heavily relies. This robust public backing underscores the deep trust and strong bond within England’s leadership team, aiming to decisively quash any lingering doubts about Pope’s integral role in the squad.
Beyond the captain’s staunch defense, the match highlighted the exciting rise of young spinner Shoaib Bashir. The 21-year-old impressed with career-best figures of six for 81, contributing significantly to his nine wickets in the match. Stokes lauded Bashir’s “unbelievable natural ability” and “scary” progression, signaling a bright future for the promising talent. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine acknowledged his team’s bowling frailties and missed batting opportunities, reflecting on the valuable lessons gained from the series.