England batter Ollie Pope fancies that his fast-bowler teammate Ollie Robinson could nicely have taken it as a praise when he was focused for criticism by a few Australian Test greats.
Robinson had a placing first Test at Edgbaston, taking 5-98, however he infuriated his victorious opponents, not simply due to his foul-mouthed send-off to centurion Usman Khawaja but additionally due to his unapologetic press convention which adopted.
Robinson instructed his behaviour was solely the kind that former Australian captain Ricky Ponting used to bask in, and requested: “If you can’t handle that (send-off), what can you handle?”.
Ponting was lower than impressed whereas Matthew Hayden then rounded on Robinson, describing him as a “forgettable cricketer” who bowled “124kmph nude nuts”.
But requested about his provocative teammate on Monday, Pope simply sounded faintly amused.
“Maybe he (Robinson) sees it as a compliment. They’re legends of the game and are entitled to their own opinion,” smiled Pope.
“Robbo’s in good spirits this week so, hopefully, he can just come out and deliver with the ball.
“I believe Ollie is the sort of man, he will get within the battle and typically in an enormous collection like this, feelings take over while you’re on the pitch, however he is a high man.”
Assistant captain Pope also defended some of Ben Stokes’ decision-making at Edgbaston that didn’t impress pundits and former players.
“I do know typically it could seem like it is simply moments of insanity however all the choices which might be made are nicely thought out with a imaginative and prescient of the tip purpose,” he mentioned.
“These choices aren’t only a rash thought. They are nicely thought out and spoken about by senior gamers within the altering room.
“We might find ourselves in a similar situation this week, who knows? That’s what Stokesy and Baz (head coach Brendon McCullum) are very good at, they read conditions very well.”
Pope additionally instructed spinner Moeen Ali could be match for the second Test regardless of his blistered spinning finger. “I think Mo’s all good, hopefully he’s fit to play,” he mentioned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
