“I am not a massive sledger” - Ollie Pope feels the rise of franchise cricket has reduced sledging in international cricket

England No.3 batter Ollie Pope has stated that the rise of franchise cricket has reduced the heated moments and sledging in international cricket of late. His comments came after the Indian skipper Shubman Gill’s heated moments on the field at Lord’s.

Notably, on the third day of the Lord’s Test, Gill hurled expletives at the England opener Zak Crawley, who was trying to waste time so that India could bowl only one over before stumps on that particular day. Pope stated that the current sledging is not as much as probably ten years ago.

“Not really. I am not a massive sledger. Less and less of it in the game, I think at the minute with franchise cricket. You get to know the opposition well. It’s not as much as probably ten years ago.” Pope said on Sky Sports Cricket.

Moreover, Pope also answered about the fine system for their dressing, “We don’t really have a fine system. We’re pretty relaxed. We’re pretty chill. There are some guys who sort of ruck up in flip flops, other days you’re just in your polo looking a bit smart. But as long as the sponsors are on there, it keeps them happy, then there’s no real fines to be had.”

Furthermore, Pope was also asked if taking a quick single was more satisfying or hitting a six, to which he would respond by saying, “Definitely smashing a six. I think the feeling when it comes off the middle of the bat and it goes with a good trajectory is by far the best feeling. But if you’re going to your 100, if you can steal a quick single and enjoy your celebrations, that’s pretty good as well.”

England will next take on the Indian cricket team at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting on Wednesday, July 23.

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