England batter Ollie Pope has hit back at perceptions that the team "weren't fussed" about winning the Ashes during their 4-1 defeat in Australia. Pope, who was dropped for the final two Tests, acknowledged the team's performance didn't allow them to be well-liked but stressed every individual wanted to win. The tourists faced criticism for their preparation, playing only one warm-up match before the first Test.

The England environment came under scrutiny following reports of player drinking and a mid-series holiday in Noosa. Coach Brendon McCullum has made "no apologies" for running an "informal" setup, while Liam Livingstone criticized the team culture saying "if you're in, you're in, and if you're not in, no-one cares about you." The ECB has implemented changes including a midnight curfew and recruitment of a specialist fielding coach.

Pope, who made 46 in Perth but saw his output dwindle afterward, has spoken to McCullum and Key about his route back into the England team. The 28-year-old acknowledged getting dropped was tough but focused his efforts on becoming "best batter in the country" with Surrey to force his way back into the Test side after scoring just 33 in his next five Ashes innings.