England cricketer Ollie Pope offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of a professional player, revealing everything from his skincare secrets to what really goes on during a rain delay or the famous tea break.
Sunscreen Secrets: Protecting Your Skin
Being out on the field for hours under the sun means cricketers need serious skin protection. Ollie Pope shared that he slathers on SPF 50 sunscreen to combat sun damage and prevent wrinkles later in life.
He notes that many players also use zinc cream, visible on their noses, lips, and sometimes ears, for added protection against the harsh glare and UV rays.
Inside the Training Regimen
The life of a cricketer involves intense training. During a Test match week, players typically spend about six hours over two days in training before the game, with the day after a Test being a rest day.
When there’s a week off, the training intensifies, potentially reaching 10-14 hours. These longer blocks are crucial for technical work, often involving 4-5 hour sessions, alongside gym workouts and running drills.
Cardio is a big part of their fitness, focusing on “tempos” and shuttles rather than long-distance runs. They even have 2K time trials to test their endurance and agility.
Dressing Room & Rain Delay Antics
What happens when play is interrupted by rain? Pope reveals that five or six guys usually head to the dining room for card games. Pranks are also a common way to pass the time.
One recurring prank involves hiding sausages from batting coach Marcus Trescothick, who apparently has a peculiar obsession with them. Otherwise, it’s mostly casual chatter, headphones, phones, and watching TV.
Match Day Habits: From Kit to Cuisine
Players go through a surprising number of white kits during a Test match, with batsmen potentially using 2-3 shirts a day, and bowlers, who sweat more, needing up to 6-7 shirts over a week.
Waiting to bat can be tricky. Pope prefers to stay relaxed in the changing room, chatting with teammates like Joe Root, rather than watching the game too intently from the balcony. This helps him conserve energy and manage nerves.
When it comes to food, appetite often disappears during play. If batting, Pope usually sticks to a protein shake and a banana for fuel. The big meals, like chicken, fish, steak, or pasta, are typically consumed at the end of the day when they can properly refuel.
The Truth About Tea Breaks
The famous cricket tea break raises a curious question: do players actually drink tea? Ollie Pope says some do, but he usually opts for coffee to boost his caffeine levels at both lunch and tea breaks.
He might occasionally have tea if there’s a rain delay, but coffee is his preferred beverage for that mid-match energy kick.
- Cricketers use SPF 50 sunscreen and zinc cream for sun protection.
- Training involves intense technical sessions, gym work, and specific cardio drills like “tempos.”
- Rain delays often lead to card games and playful pranks in the dressing room.
- Players like Ollie Pope prefer coffee over traditional tea during breaks for caffeine.
Ollie Pope’s insights offer a unique perspective into the often-unseen routines and lighthearted moments that shape a cricketer’s demanding life.
