PICKING POPE IS THREESY

Cook has ton of reasons for Ollie over Bethell

- 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.

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

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