England ‘bewildered’ by umpires, claiming Pope forced to field despite shoulder injury

Frustrated English officials have claimed Ollie Pope was told he must return to the field before he aggravated a shoulder injury on day three of the second Test.

Pope was initially hurt when he dived for a ball on Wednesday at Lord’s and fell awkwardly on his right shoulder, prompting him to leave the ground.

The 25-year-old was cleared by umpires to bat at No.3 in England’s first innings, given the injury was a fresh one suffered in the match and was from an external blow.

But after Pope batted freely for 63 balls for his 42, umpires ordered him to return to the field on Friday if he wished to bat any higher than No.7 in England’s second innings.