I CAN HANDLE THE HOT SEAT

Pope insists he has got what it takes to pull off stand-in skipper's role despite his lack of runs

- Gary Fitzgerald

OLLIE POPE hungers for a tasty Lord's run-fest - and to prove beyond doubt that he has the mental powers to make big scores while successfully leading the side.

The stand-in England skippe denies his lack of form with the bat in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford had anything to do with the "fatigue" that comes with captaining the team.

Pope had a series of mixec emotions in Manchester.

He enjoyed a winning start to his spell in charge in place of the injured Ben Stokes.

However, he failed to produce a significant contribution with the bat scoring 12 runs in two innings and lasting only 25 deliveries.

The Surrey star received some glowing praise - including from Stokes, who described the transition as "seamless" - after the way he guided the team on the field in his first game at the helm.

But a few experts are already questioning whether he can cope with the heavy weight of leading England and batting high up the order at No.3.