Ben Stokes, the captain of England, discusses the strain on Ollie Pope before the game.

Following Ben Stokes‘ earlier remarks about Jacob Bethell’s participation in the forthcoming five-match Test series against India, there has been some drama inside the England squad. According to the media, vice captain Ollie Pope is the target of a plot.

If Bethell made it into the playing XI, the media wondered where Ollie Pope would slot into the team. The Test captain and ace all-rounder had stated that Bethell would return to the squad. Stokes explained that Pope has performed well in his roles as a batter and vice-captain for the England team, claiming that his statement was taken out of context. Stokes continued by praising Pope’s career-long accomplishments, particularly his outstanding century against Zimbabwe.

“Someone will always be the centre of attention. “I think it was a little bit of, I don’t know, not a vendetta, but I was asked a straightforward question about Bethell when we got into this game,” Stokes said. Stokes told BBC Test Match Special, “I said put two and two together, he comes back into the squad, and then all of a sudden it turns into something that suits the agenda of the time.”

“Pope, my vice captain, has been fantastic for the squad and for me at number three. To be honest, I believe he’s now averaging above 40 (43.06 at No. 3), so it was appropriate for the conversation. I’m very happy for him that he went out there and performed in that manner. In addition to his runs, he plays a significant role for this club. I appreciate his leadership role as vice-captain, and he is a leader in the group,” he added.

Ever since I became captain, he has risen to No. 3: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes also backed up his claim by describing how Pope has improved his game and thinking. He talked about how the 27-year-old hitter has brilliant ideas and how some of them have also helped Stokes find his bowling rhythm.

He is an excellent player. He has played incredibly well since I became captain, as I mentioned, ever since he moved up to No. 3. As vice captain, he thinks of some brilliant ideas in the middle, particularly when I’m bowling. Stokes said, “It’s great to have someone like Popey out there who can help me along in those moments because I sort of get into my own rhythm and take myself away from that.”