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yesterday

Pope and Bethell Vie for England’s No. 3 Slot Ahead of India Tests

England’s management must weigh Pope’s 171 against Bethell’s IPL-honed form ahead of the first Test at Headingley.

England's Ollie Pope on his way to 171 in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge

Overview

  • Both Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell have been named in England’s 14-man squad for the opening Test in Leeds on June 20.
  • Pope reinforced his bid with an unbeaten 171 against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, taking his Test average to 35.49 with eight centuries.
  • Bethell has averaged 52.00 across six Test innings, including a top score of 92 against New Zealand, and sharpened his game in this year’s IPL.
  • Sir Alastair Cook said Pope’s recent performance and willingness to forgo franchise cricket make him the stronger candidate.
  • England managing director Rob Key described the contest as a “win-win” and praised Bethell’s IPL stint as a boost for England’s batting reserves.