REID ALERT TO JOHN’S SKILLS
working out their best way of scoring runs in those specific conditions and that’s what makes a successful cricketer.”
All of which bodes well for an Ashes summer that is unlikely to overawe Pope and Curran, two cricketers still yet to celebrate their 21st birthdays.
And the presence of fearless players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow can only help their development.
Pope added: “There is always pressure in international cricket – you are representing your country and there are a lot of people watching.
“It does have its own pressures but the environment in that dressing room helps us all. Everyone deals with it in their own way but the environment they set is very helpful in not downsizing the importance of it whilst creating a relaxed atmosphere.
“That just enables you to go out and perform as well as you can.
“I don’t think anyone will be overawed by the whole occasion.”
At the moment, pressure is simply bringing the absolute best out of England’s players – with Bairstow’s century in Colombo showing how competition for places is boosting performance levels.
In a side packed with options Pope will have to score heavily when handed his chance.
But after a run-laden 2018 he will hope that the next 12 months are just as fruitful. KANSAS CITY can wrap up a play-off spot tonight but coach Andy Reid will have to beat his old pal John Harbaugh to do it.
The Baltimore coach was in place as a special teams boss in Phildaelphia when Reid was appointed head coach in 1999.
But there was never any doubt in Reid’s mind about whether to keep him on.
He said: “I actually knew his dad and knew about John. Ray Rhodes had told me about him, what a great coach he was.
“With all those things, I found out for myself that he’s a phenomenal coach. I have a ton of respect for him.”
Fast forward 19 years and Harbaugh is a Super Bowl-winning head coach himself after leading the Ravens to the title in the 2012 season.
But it’s certainly Reid’s Chiefs who have the upper hand this time around in the quest for the Vince Lombardi trophy – with speed the name of their game. And although the Ravens OLD PALS: Harbaugh (left) and Reid YOUTH GONE WILD: Pope has been a big hit for England as he fights his way back from injury, Kansas have speed to burn all over their offence. Harbaugh said: “Andy’s at the top of the business in what he does. Speed, lots of speed.
“They run all the tough plays, all the circus plays, so to speak, that they execute so well and the speed just enhances it. I also think they execute very well.
“They’re precise in what they do. That’s good coaching and good players. I think Andy studies football everywhere.
“They look at college football and probably high school football. Probably junior high football looking for plays, knowing Andy.” The Chiefs have added wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to their squad this week but Reid does not expect him to play much against the Ravens.
He said: “He just got here. By next week he’ll have a pretty good feel. He’s a sharp kid. He’ll be able to pick it up.”