Tried not to think about discussions surrounding my place in side: Ollie Pope

His away series against India last year had started with a bang and ended in a whimper but Ollie Pope has consciously tried to not let discussions about his slot in the playing eleven affect him too much, while constructing a stylish century during England's solid first innings reply on the seeond day of opening Test.

- 

Vice-captain Pope, whose place in the team has been under scanner since his technique got exposed by Jasprit Bumrah and Indian spinners in the 2024 away series, scored a fine 106 in England's first innings score of 465. For the record, Pope had started with 196 in Hyderabad and then in remaining four Tests, totalled 40 runs. "T've tried not to let it affect me too much