POPE'S GOT A PRAYER DOWN UNDER

OLLIE POPE insists he is a "much better player" than the version bullied into submission on his last Ashes tour - and he'll give the Aussies a better run for their money this winter.

- by MIKE WALTERS

England's stand-in captain for Monday’s dramatic six-run defeat by India at The Oval managed just 67 runs at 11.16 in the 4-0 defeat Down Under four years ago.

But Pope (right) believes he is more prepared mentally and technically to handle Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood's relentless hostility this time.

He said: "I feel I’m a much better player than I was on that first (Ashes) trip.