OLLIE STOKES THE FIRE

Pope: I'll challenge skipper - but I'm a Bazball disciple like everyone else

- DEAN WILSON

OLLIE POPE will challenge Ben Stokes with new ideas in The Ashes - but will stick to the same script if he takes the England reins.

England's new Test vice-captain is just a broken finger, an upset stomach or a twinge of a knee away from leading the team against the Aussies.

And after seeing the way Stokes was moving gingerly at times at Lord's in last weekend's win against Ireland, it has not escaped Pope's attention his time to lead may arrive sooner rather than later.

But while he believes his job is to counter Stokes with different plans of attack when they are in the team together, it will be Bazball all the way if he ends up in charge.