Confident Pope's up for No.3 Test duel with Bethell

OLLIE POPE is relishing what is likely to be a fierce tug-of-war with Jacob Bethell over England’s Test No.3 spot this summer.

- By Gary Fitzgerald

And the Surrey star, who made a statement with a stunning 171 against Zimbabwe, claims the strong competition is healthy for the team.

Skipper Ben Stokes appeared to suggest Bethell, below, who has been playing in the IPL, could walk straight back into the side against India next month due to his outstanding displays in New Zealand in the winter.

But Stokes had a one-to-one with Pope before the victory against Zimbabwe to tell him that was not the case.