It's three and easy, just keep faith with tried & tested Pope

COOK INSISTS BETHELL HAS TO WAIT IN WINGS

- BY JOSHUA PECK

SIR Alastair Cook has told England to make the easy decision and stick with Ollie Pope for the first Ashes Test.

There has been plenty of debate over whether experienced Pope, 27, or Jacob Bethell, 21, should bat at three for the opening Test in Perth next month.

Pope has been a regular at three in recent years, and has nine Test centuries, though Bethell’s impressive white-ball form has vaulted him into contention over the past 12 months.

But Cook believes it is a simple call for coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

“I would put Ollie Pope at three,” said Cook. “It’s quite an easy decision actually.

“You've got someone who's been part of this buildup for three or four years. He's captained the side, he’s played some extraordinary innings for England, and he’s a hundred maker.