England captain Ben Stokes backs vice-captain Ollie Pope for the first test against India at Headingley, calling the idea of replacing him ‘remarkable’

England captain Ben Stokes has said it would have been “remarkable” to drop Ollie Pope for the first Test against India, after the vice‑captain’s innings of 171 in the recent Zimbabwe match.

Pope retained the No 3 spot for the opening Test at Headingley, despite a strong case for 21‑year‑old Jacob Bethell, who impressed during the New Zealand tour earlier this year.

Bethell made half‑centuries in all three Tests he played in New Zealand when he was promoted to bat at three. However, Pope returned to the role for the Zimbabwe series and responded with a commanding century.

“The ‘big selection’ idea did not come from us,” Stokes said. “It would be remarkable to pick someone else if their last knock was a 170, and that’s pretty much all I need to say on that.”

Stokes added that the speculation surrounding Pope was a sign of the times, with information and opinion more readily available than ever. “In this day and age, it’s very tough not to see all that kind of speculation and stuff around it because of how easily accessible things are. You don’t even have to hunt for it anymore,” he said. “But I think scoring 170 in his last Test match has sort of shown how well he’s handled that extra scrutiny.”

The five‑match series against India marks the start of a critical ten‑Test run for Stokes’ side, including an Ashes campaign in Australia later this year. Yet the England captain insists his focus is firmly on the present. “We will come to that when we come to that, but for us right now it’s about focusing on these five games coming up against India,” he said.

England have experienced highs and lows over the past year, with victories over New Zealand, India and Pakistan tempered by disappointing defeats to West Indies, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Stokes revealed the squad has held “honest conversations” about how to adapt in tougher moments.

“I don’t think ‘defensive’ is the right way of saying it,” he said. “I think it’s just being smarter in those situations when it’s obvious the opposition is on top of us. What do we need to do to wrestle that momentum back towards us?”

The Headingley Test will also mark the inauguration of the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy, named after legendary cricketers James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. The new trophy replaces the Pataudi Trophy, named after the Pataudi family.

Tendulkar expressed pride at the honour. “When I got to know about the award, I was ecstatic,” he said. “I remember sharing this with my family and also spoke to the Pataudi family. It’s a reflection of what Jimmy and I have been able to contribute to our nations in Test cricket.”

Anderson, who has dismissed Tendulkar nine times in Test cricket, said it felt “surreal” to be recognised alongside one of the sport’s greatest batters. “You don’t start playing cricket for things like this to happen, but when they do, it’s lovely — especially alongside Sachin,” he said. “I’ve not only played against him quite a few times, but growing up, watching him, seeing him play for Yorkshire as well… it’s an incredible feeling and I’m very honoured to be part of it.”