The remarks came in the aftermath of Pope’s commanding century against Zimbabwe in the ongoing Test series, a performance that Stokes hailed as a "statement innings."
Pope, who had faced a wave of criticism following a string of low scores in the preceding series, silenced doubters with a composed 134 in England’s first innings at Lord’s. Despite the milestone, some pundits continued to question his long-term place in the side—a narrative Stokes was quick to challenge. “It's frustrating to see how quickly people forget,” said Stokes in a post-match press conference. “Ollie has proven time and again what he brings to this team—not just with the bat but as a leader. There seems to be a clear agenda to tear him down, and frankly, it's unwarranted.” The England skipper emphasized Pope’s resilience and work ethic, revealing that the 27-year-old had been “first in the nets and last out” in the lead-up to the match. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve played with. It’s not just about one innings—though that hundred today was world-class—it’s about the character behind it. If anything, the noise around him just sharpened his focus,” Stokes added. Pope’s century helped England post a dominant total of 421, setting the tone in a Test that could prove pivotal in restoring confidence ahead of the summer Ashes warm-ups. His composed shot selection and calm under pressure drew praise from commentators and fans alike, although some critics continued to call for a “more consistent” showing from the Surrey batter. Stokes, however, was unequivocal: “There’s a difference between holding players to high standards and just trying to create drama. Ollie has our full backing—he earned that long before today.” The win against Zimbabwe, built on Pope’s innings and a spirited bowling performance led by Mark Wood, saw England take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series. As the team looks ahead to the second match at Headingley, Stokes’s public show of support appears to have further unified the dressing room. With the Ashes looming, the England captain made one final point clear: “This team thrives on loyalty and belief. We rise together, and that includes standing tall when one of our own is unfairly targeted.”
