BBL: Strikers sign Ollie Pope, England captain, for Big Bash League premiership charge

The Strikers have secured a major Big Bash League coup after signing an international captain as their pre-draft acquisition for the upcoming BBL season.

He is England’s Test captain this week, but come December Ollie Pope is bound for Adelaide.

The Big Bash League’s Strikers have signed the batter and part-time wicketkeeper as their pre-draft acquisition for the upcoming BBL season.

With six Test centuries already to his name, Pope, 26, is leading England against Sri Lanka in the first Test this week in Manchester in the absence of the injured Ben Stokes.

England captain Ollie Pope during a nets session at Old Trafford this week. Picture: Getty Images

He has featured in the last two Ashes series, albeit with modest results, his 2023 series ending with a shoulder injury suffered during the second Test at Lord’s.

Though better known for his red-ball exploits, Pope is seeking to build his short-form game too.

He has a solid Twenty20 average of 28.77 with a strike rate of 132.82.

The Strikers are tipped by other clubs to retain fellow Englishman Jamie Overton with one of their picks in next Sunday’s draft.

He might be a foe come the Ashes, but Adelaide will embrace Ollie Pope when he joins the Strikers this summer. Picture: Getty Images

But superstar Rashid Khan will not be returning after the Adelaide favourite opted not to nominate for the upcoming BBL.

Pope joins Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat), Chris Jordan (Hobart Hurricanes), Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades), Tom Curran (Melbourne Stars), Finn Allen (Perth Scorchers) and Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder) as confirmed pre-draft signings for the BBL under the newly implemented overseas recruiting mechanism. The Sydney Sixers have been strongly linked to West Indian spinner Akeal Hosein.

It’s understood Pope had been a player of interest for at least one of the Victorian clubs in the draft.

“Signing with the Adelaide Strikers is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve been watching the Big Bash since I was a kid, and it’s always been a competition I’ve been eager to be a part of. Adelaide is such a fantastic city with a vibrant cricket culture, and the Adelaide Oval is one of the most iconic grounds in the world,” Pope said.

England batsman Ollie Pope will join the Strikers for the BBL this summer. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the passionate Strikers fans and being part of a team with such a strong reputation.

“The chance to rub shoulders with some incredible players and contribute to the team’s success is something I’m truly excited about. I can’t wait to get started!”

New Strikers coach Tim Paine was rapt to acquire Pope.

“Ollie Pope is an exceptional talent with a proven track record at the highest level. His dynamic batting style and wicket-keeping abilities are a fantastic addition to our squad,” Paine said.

“We’re thrilled to have him on board and believe he will be a key player for us this season. His experience and leadership will undoubtedly elevate our team.“

Originally published as BBL: Strikers sign Ollie Pope, England captain, for Big Bash League premiership charge