Early Life & Background
Oliver John Douglas Pope was born on January 2, 1998, in Chelsea, London. His upbringing in an athletic family—parents Richard and Sue Pope—instilled a competitive spirit early on . Educated at Cranleigh School in Surrey, he showed promise in cricket, football and hockey. Notably, Ollie Pope is the great-great-great-great‑grandson of Joseph Merriman, Cranleigh’s first headmaster. He first appeared on Surrey’s radar via age‑group cricket and club stints with Guildford and Cranleigh CC.
In August 2016, at 18, he signed his first professional deal with Surrey CCC, making a dramatic List A debut in the Royal London Cup semi‑final days later. Soon after, he debuted in first-class (March 2017) and T20 formats (July 2017).
Personal Traits & Lifestyle
Pope stands at 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) with a compact build that grants him superb balance, quick footwork, and an agile presence in the field. As a right‑handed batter, he blends elegance with resolve. His shot‑making—punctuated by crisp drives, cuts, and pulls—reflects technical soundness over power. Observers describe his temperament as calm, composed, and methodical—qualities that suit his role at No. 3.
Away from cricket, he enjoys hobbies like golf and keeps a low public profile. In early 2024, his relationship with interior designer Ella Gurdon became public.
Personal Life
Raised in London by supportive parents Richard and Sue Pope, Ollie’s early success—a first-class century at 19—made them proud. He hasn’t married yet but has been dating Ella Gurdon since around 2024. His Capricorn zodiac sign and private nature further highlight his down‑to‑earth personality.
Youth & Domestic Career
Ollie Pope led Surrey’s youth squads and excelled in club cricket. During the 2017–18 winter, he toured Australia under an ECB placement, racking up 994 runs with three centuries, earning commendation from the NSW Parliament.
Back in England in 2018, he amassed four centuries at an average of 70.42, helping Surrey secure the County Championship and earning the PCA Young Player of the Year award. In 2019, he led Surrey’s run tally with 812 runs at an average of 101, before scoring a career-best 274 in 2021.
Overall, across 120 first-class matches, he has scored 8,118 runs at an average of 46.12, including 24 hundreds and 30 fifties, with a top score of 274.
International Career
Ollie made his Test debut for England against India on August 9, 2018, at Lord’s. He has since played 57 Tests, scoring 3,415 runs at 35.94, including 9 centuries and 15 fifties, with a career-best 205 . His fielding includes 76 catches and 1 stumping.
| Format | Mat | Runs | Avg | 100s/50s | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 57 | 3,415 | 35.94 | 9/15 | 205 |
| FC | 120 | 8,118 | 46.12 | 24/30 | 274 |
| List A | 31 | 767 | 33.34 | 0/5 | 93* |
| T20 | 74 | 1,583 | 26.83 | 0/6 | 99* |
His Test career highlights include:
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Maiden Test century vs South Africa during the 2020 tour—the youngest English centurion since Alastair Cook.
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A double century (205) vs Ireland in June 2023 .
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A strong 171 vs Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May 2025—today earning praise from Sir Alastair Cook
Under the McCullum–Stokes leadership since 2022, he became vice-captain and secured six Test centuries at No. 3, averaging over 40 in that slot.
Recent form & selection context:
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171 in May 2025 vs Zimbabwe and 106 at Leeds vs India in June 2025 .
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Maintained No. 3 spot ahead of Jacob Bethell in the 2025 India series, supported by Cook and Stokes
IPL Career
As of July 2025, Ollie Pope has not played in the IPL.
He has, however, featured in various T20 leagues:
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Vitality Blast with Surrey: 55 matches, 1,294 runs, avg 31.56, strike rate 134.65; highest 99*.
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Big Bash League for Adelaide Strikers in 2024/25, scoring 191 runs in 9 innings .
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Other stints include Welsh Fire (The Hundred), London Spirit, Gulf Giants in ILT20
Fitness, Injuries & Comebacks
Ollie Pope’s career has weathered notable injury setbacks:
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Underwent shoulder surgery in 2019, causing an extended layoff.
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In summer 2021, suffered a thigh injury, sidelining him for months.
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After a shoulder injury during Ireland tour in June 2023, he missed three Tests.
He responded with resilience:
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Post‑surgery, returned with an unbeaten 221 in his first championship match back.
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After the 2021 thigh setback, he scored a century (145 off 239 balls) vs New Zealand in June 2022.