England suffer Ashes blow as Pope sidelined for rest of series

LEEDS, United Kingdom, July 04 (AFP): England suffered a major Ashes setback on Tuesday as Ollie Pope was ruled out for the rest of the series against Australia after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the second Test.
Pope was injured while fielding on the first day at Lord's last week and aggravated the problem after England were told they were not permitted to use a substitute fielder in the second innings.
The 25-year-old underwent scans on his right shoulder that showed he needs surgery, forcing him to the sidelines for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.
England are likely to replace vice-captain Pope with Dan Lawrence for the third Test starting on Thursday at Headingley.
Lawrence won the last of his 11 Test caps last March and has not played since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took charge of the side.
England have decided not to call up any additional batting cover.