England face Pope dilemma - should they stick or twist?

Ollie Pope has enjoyed a winning start as a stand-in captain, but the new role has shone a spotlight on his form with the bat that could make his position vulnerable.

- SONIA TWIGG

Many of the greats of the game have batted at number three, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith and Brian Lara, and England will hope Pope can get close to that.

Pope’s year has been one of feast or famine, he has scored two hundreds, including a stunning 196 in Hyderabad, but now has 12 scores of less than 25 to go with it. Those runs have come at an average of 33.35, which has led to questions being raised about the 26-year-old. England have remained resolute that Pope is the vice-captain, tipped to become the next leader of the side, but his form when he has taken charge has been unconvincing. He has one Test victory, but after three innings, he has faced just 34 deliveries and scored a meagre 13 runs.