Sports Desk
19 July 2025, 05:46 PM IST
England’s Ollie Pope shares what he eats during Test match lunch breaks, including his preference for protein shakes and bananas while batting
Photo: AFP
Ever wondered what fuels top cricketers during those long and intense days of a Test match? England batter Ollie Pope has given fans an insight into his eating habits during matches and yes, he’s also cleared up the long-standing curiosity about whether players actually drink tea during the ‘Tea Break’.
What’s on the menu at lunch?
In a video shared by Sky Sports, Pope revealed that the lunch menu for England players typically features high-protein and carb-rich meals aimed at fuelling performance.
“Generally like chicken, fish, maybe some steak out with pasta, trying to fuel up as much as you can,” Pope said.
However, it’s a different story if he’s batting. “For me, if I am batting though, I don’t actually eat a lot at all, just because of some reason your body just doesn’t want to get too much in,” he added.
In such situations, Pope opts for a lighter intake, “So I have a protein shake and a banana. If I am batting all day, then I will get to the end of the day barely have eaten a thing, just because it’s quite hard to get it in, so you fuel up at the end of the day.”
Do cricketers drink tea during the tea break?
Given the name of the break, fans often assume players relax with a hot cuppa. But Pope cleared the air on that too.
“Some do (prefer taking tea). I normally have coffee. Sometimes, a cup of tea when it’s a rain delay or something,” he revealed.
Pope’s form in the series
Pope has been a consistent presence in England’s line-up during their ongoing five-match home Test series against India. He made headlines with a brilliant 106 off 137 balls at Headingley, playing a crucial role in England’s five-wicket win in the series opener.
Since that innings, he has struggled to put up big scores, with a composed 44 off 104 at Lord’s standing out as his best effort.
England now leads the series 2-1 after a hard-fought 22-run victory at Lord’s – the iconic ‘Home of Cricket’.
England squad for the fourth test
Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
(with agency inputs)
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