Stokes: No danger of England axe for Pope

BEN Stokes insists Ollie Pope was never in danger of being dropped for this week's opening Test against India, claiming it would be "remarkable" to leave his vice-captain out.

- By RORY DOLLARD

BEN Stokes insists Ollie Pope was never in danger of being dropped for this week's opening Test against India, claiming it would be “remarkable” to leave his vice-captain out.

Warwickshire’s Jacob Bethell is pushing hard for a place in the red-ball side as he continues his sharp ascent through the ranks, but while he was at the Indian Premier League last month, Pope firmed up his spot at number three with a knock of 171 against Zimbabwe.

If there were ever any doubts over him holding on to his shirt, that innings at Trent Bridge extinguished them and he remains the man in possession heading into a huge five-match series that begins at Headingley today.

Stokes, who has been steadfast in his support for Pope, said: “The ‘big selection’ (idea) did not come from us. It would be remarkable to choose someone else if their last knock was 170, and that’s pretty much all I need to say on that.