ROOM AT THE TOP

Ollie has eye on Stokes’ perks

- MIKE WALTERS

CHEEKY Ollie Pope reacted to news that Ben Stokes is out of the fifth Test against India, starting at The Oval today, by asking for his hotel room.

Stokes' hopes of recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in grabbing five wickets and hitting a century at Old Trafford last week proved in vain.

So Pope, who last deputised as skipper for Stokes against Pakistan in Multan last October, will wear the captain's pips again.

And Stokes has backed his replacement to step up to the plate and lead from the front.

Stokes said: "Ollie's done well when he's had to take on the responsibility before whenever I've not been able to play.