Surrey batsman Ollie Pope to miss Vitality Blast matches after being forced to isolate

(Getty Images for Surrey CCC)

Surrey will be without Ollie Pope for their upcoming Vitality Blast matches after the England batsman was forced into isolation, having come into contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

Pope was due to be available for selection again after the end of England’s Test series defeat against New Zealand, but has now been ruled out until June 24. The contact with an infected person did not occur on international duty and he has not been in contact with the Surrey squad.

Surrey have named an unchanged squad for fixtures against Sussex and Hampshire at Kia Oval on Thursday and Friday this week, but will have England opener Rory Burns back in contention for next Monday’s game against Essex after he was given an extended break at the end of the Test series.

Pope will not be available for that fixture, nor to face Somerset on June 23, but could return for the London derby against Middlesex two days later.

Surrey have got their Blast campaign off to the perfect start, winning all three of their matches so far.

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