Will pope

Former England Test: Former England Test captain Sir Alastair Cook has weighed in on the ongoing debate over England’s number three slot ahead of their much-anticipated five-Test series against India, backing Ollie Pope to get the nod over rising star Jacob Bethell.

Pope, who also serves as England’s vice-captain, sent a timely reminder of his pedigree with a commanding 171 in the recent one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. With the series against India fast approaching, Cook believes that Pope’s experience and recent form should give him the edge when England names their playing XI for the opening Test at Headingley on June 20.

“Ollie Pope's 170 meant a lot to me,” Cook said during an appearance on The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, where he was joined by fellow ex-captains Michael Vaughan and David “Bumble” Lloyd, along with former spinner Phil “Tuffers” Tufnell. “He and Zak Crawley were under the pump and they delivered.”