POPE BATS AWAY IDEA ENGLAND DIDN'T CARE

OLLIE POPE has challenged the idea that England “weren't fussed” during their troubled Ashes tour, but understands how it arose.

- BY DUNCAN BECH

Ben Stokes’ tourists crashed to a 4-1 series defeat by Australia that is being reviewed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, with tour planning, preparation, individual performances and behaviour all under scrutiny.

Apart from the result, concerns about the culture of the squad emerged during a break in Noosa, where there were reports of excessive drinking by players, followed by revelations over vice-captain Harry Brook (right) and his altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the pre-Ashes visit to New Zealand.

Pope, however, insists England were intent on beating Australia and might have been more successful had they built on a positive start to the first Test in Perth.