England's Ollie Pope Defends No. 3 Spot Against Jacob Bethell Ahead India Tests

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook has publicly backed vice-captain Ollie Pope to retain the crucial No. 3 batting position for England's upcoming five-match Test series against India, emphasizing Pope's strong recent performance, including a commanding 171 against Zimbabwe. Cook noted that Jacob Bethell, a 21-year-old with an impressive average, lost ground in the selection battle by choosing to remain in the Indian Premier League rather than play the Zimbabwe Test, which impacted his chances for the India series. Pope himself has acknowledged the pressure to improve his consistency and mental game, aspiring to emulate Joe Root's excellence and expressing ambitions to lead England in the future. Despite challenges, Pope has solidified his position at No. 3, especially under the guidance of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, with his batting average improving significantly since 2022. While Pope has struggled somewhat against India in the past, he remains determined to perform well and help England challenge the Indian team on home soil. The selection tussle between Pope and Bethell, along with Pope's aspirations and recent form, will be central storylines as England prepares for a demanding Test summer and an Ashes tour.