Connect with us

England News

Ollie Pope retains place at number three for first Test against India

England have kept faith with vice- Ollie Pope for the first against , meaning rising star Jacob Bethell must wait for his chance.

The pair were going head to head for the number three spot at Headingley, Bethell having made a striking impression while deputising during the in December before Pope reasserted himself with a knock of 171 against last month.

Bethell missed that match, opting instead to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the , but he offered plenty of reminders about his talent during the recent white-ball series against the .

The 21-year-old will now need to wait for form or fitness to open up a vacancy in the side, while Pope will know there is a viable rival for his shirt waiting in the wings should he struggle for runs in Leeds.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed news you need, subscribe to The Cricket Paper website, digital edition, or from as little as 14p a day.

 

Get the Inside Edge

- Sign Up to our weekly Cricket Newsletter
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

More in England News