As England prepares to walk into the fire of another Ashes summer, former Australian captain Ian Chappell has singled out one visiting batter who could face the fiercest scrutiny: Ollie Pope.

The 27-year-old, despite nine Test centuries and an average in the mid-30s across 61 matches, heads into the five-match series under pressure mdash; and Chappell believes Australia will be licking its lips at the prospect of him batting at No. 3.

The added twist to Popes situation is the presence of 22-year-old Jacob Bethell in Englands extended squad. Bethell has impressed within the England system and, with a handful of Tests under his belt, is seen as a potential future mainstay.

Speaking on Wide World of Sports Outside The Rope ahead of the first Test in Perth, Chappell was asked whether he expected Bethell to be blooded during the Ashes and how he judged Popes security at first drop.

Im not so sure about that [Bethell taking his place], but if Im an Australian player, Im very happy to see Pope at three,rdquo; Chappell said.

He didnt hold back in his assessment of the England vice-captains technique and temperament under pressure.

Popes a twitchy player, he doesnt exude confidence at three.

When your No.3 walks out, you want to be thinking as the team in the dressing room lsquo;this fella gives us a lot of confidence.rdquo;

Chappell then invoked the image of one of Australias greatest modern batters.

Ricky Ponting walks out at No.3 and youre thinking not only is he likely to survive against some good bowling early on, but he can counter-attack as well.rdquo;

By contrast, he suggested Popes movements mdash; and perhaps mindset mdash; give Australia a psychological edge.

Pope is skittish, he is jumpy ndash; so I would be very happy as an Australian player seeing him at three ndash; but Im not sure were gonna see Bethell in this series.rdquo;

By contrast, he suggested Popes movements mdash; and perhaps mindset mdash; give Australia a psychological edge.

A century in the first Test at home against India in June hinted at a resurgence, but the rest of that series unravelled with only one score above fifty and three scores under ten.