- England’s first Take a look at of 5 towards India will begin on Friday at Headingley
- Pope had been beneath strain for his spot within the group from teenager Bethell
- A veteran all-rounder will return to the aspect in a bowling assault together with Stokes
England have decided on vice-captain Ollie Pope for the primary Take a look at towards India, with the Surrey batter beneath strain from rising star Jacob Bethell.
Warwickshire’s Bethell, 21, appeared to have cemented his place in Ben Stokes’ group when he struck three half-centuries from first wicket down in New Zealand in late 2024.
Nonetheless, he missed final month’s innings win over Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge as a result of a stint on the Indian Premier League and Pope took his likelihood, scoring 171 after returning to the No 3 function, having slipped down the order whereas preserving wicket within the winter.
Bethell has been troubled by a minor again niggle within the build-up to the opening match of 5 versus the Indians in Leeds, however declared himself 100 per cent prepared and England made the decision between the pair on choice slightly than health grounds.
Bethell will now have to attend for a emptiness within the aspect, with England opting to maintain religion in Pope – no less than for the primary match of the five- match collection.
Pope will, although, know there’s strain for his place He’ll characteristic in an unchanged England batting order from the Zimbabwe win.
England have decided on the place of Ollie Pope amid strain on his England place
Teen Jacob Bethell has been pushing Pope after impressing in New Zealand
Captain Ben Stokes, although, has opted to stay with what he is aware of and retain Pope for recreation
That aspect consists of Zak Crawley – who additionally made a ton towards Zimbabwe – and Ben Duckett.
One other Warwickshire participant in veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes is within the XI, although, after lacking the four-day contest with the Zimbabweans as he rehabbed an ankle harm.
Woakes is joined within the assault by Durham’s Brydon Carse, who’s enjoying his first Take a look at on house soil, Josh Tongue, of Nottinghamshire, Stokes and Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir.
And England got an extra enhance two days out from the match at Headingley with Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson becoming a member of in observe following a hamstring tear – suggesting one of many main gamers within the rise to No 2 on the planet Take a look at rankings final yr is on track for a return at Edgbaston later this month.
