Ollie Pope has denied claims that England's team was indifferent during their 4-1 Ashes series defeat by Australia. The Surrey batsman insists England were fully committed to winning despite the tour's troubled build-up, which included reports of excessive drinking and vice-captain Harry Brook's nightclub incident. Pope acknowledged the perception of England being 'unfussed' was difficult to handle.

The ECB is currently reviewing the Ashes tour, examining preparation, performance, and squad culture. England's only preparation match was a three-day game against England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth, followed immediately by the first Test in the same city. Pope defended the approach, noting similar preparation had worked in previous tours to New Zealand, Pakistan, and India. He admitted batting conditions at Lilac Hill differed significantly from Perth.

Pope, who averaged just 20.83 in the first three Tests before being dropped, maintains he felt prepared and believes his best batting years are still ahead. He emphasized that players were trying to manage Ashes pressures while performing at their best. England's focus now shifts to the new county season, with Surrey opening against Warwickshire at Edgbaston on April 3.