Ben Stokes insists Ollie Pope was never in danger of being dropped for this week's opening Test against India, claiming it would be "remarkable" to leave his vice-captain out.Jacob Bethell is pushing hard for a place in the red-ball side as he continues his sharp ascent through the ranks but while he was at the Indian Premier League last month, Pope firmed up his spot at number three with a knock of 171 against Zimbabwe.If there were ever any doubts over him holding on to his shirt, that innings

Ben Stokes insists Ollie Pope was never in danger of being dropped for this week's opening Test against India, claiming it would be "remarkable" to leave his vice-captain out.Jacob Bethell is pushing hard for a place in the red-ball side as he continues his sharp ascent through the ranks but while he was at the Indian Premier League last month, Pope firmed up his spot at number three with a knock of 171 against Zimbabwe.If there were ever any doubts over him holding on to his shirt, that innings at Trent Bridge extinguished them and he remains the man in possession heading into a huge five-match series that begins on Friday at Headingley.