Ollie Pope said Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is his “lucky charm” after watching the England batter make 121 on the first day of the second Test against West Indies.
Ramsdale, who was part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, was a guest of Pope’s at Trent Bridge on Wednesday as England set a score of 416.
He also watched Pope score a double century against Ireland at Lord’s last year.
“I’m obviously a big Arsenal fan so I go to support him a fair bit. He seems to be my lucky charm on the cricket pitch as well,” said Pope.
“He messaged me last night and I managed to sort him a couple of tickets,” said Pope. “He can come more often.
Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is Ollie Pope’s lucky charm 😁 #ENGVWI PIC.TWITTER.COM/MRANJQLPN5
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) JULY 18, 2024
“He loves his cricket and I love watching Arsenal play too. He sat with my family all day which was class for them.
“It always happens to be the day he’s there that I get the runs, so I think he can come more often.”
Since his historic 196 in the first Test against India in Hyberabad in January, Pope only passed 30 in one of the the remaining four Tests.
His highest score for Surrey this season is 63 but he opened his summer with 57 in England’s huge win over West Indies at Lord’s last week.
