POPE'S IN PLACE TO SECURE ASHES CONFIRMATION

OLLIE POPE looks set to be given the chance to rubber-stamp his England place ahead of the Ashes in this week's warm-up match in Perth.

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Speculation has been rife that Jacob Bethell could be parachuted into the team and bat at No.3 at the expense of Pope, who in September was replaced as England Test vice-captain by Harry Brook.

But assistant coach Marcus Trescothick pointed to the consistency in selection England have shown in the past few years ahead of their practice match against England Lions, which starts tomorrow.

Asked who would bat at first drop in the three-day tuneup at Lilac Hill, Trescothick said: "I'm presuming the same sort of No.3 we've had for a period of time.

"I can only say we are a very consistent team in what we're trying to do."