Ben Stokes insists Ollie Pope was never in danger of being dropped for this week’s opening Test against India, claiming it would be “remarkable” to leave his vice-captain out.
Jacob Bethell is pushing hard for a place in the red-ball side as he continues his sharp ascent through the ranks but while he was at the Indian Premier League last month, Pope firmed up his spot at number three with a knock of 171 against Zimbabwe.
