New Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Rob Key has given Ollie Pope a massive vote of confidence, backing the 24-year-old to be the solution to England's struggles at number three.
Since getting recalled to the side last year after struggling with a shoulder injury, Pope has averaged just 20.36 in 20 innings batting down at five and six. Despite his struggles for England, Pope has begun the County Championship season well for Surrey, making 417 runs at 69.50.
However, he has now been tasked with moving up to three despite never having batted there before in his career. But Key does not believe Pope's lack of experience will be in an issue, insisting he is the best batter in the side after Joe Root.
"It's not a concern," Key said. "Someone like Jonathan Trott did it well [batting at three for England having not done it regularly for Warwickshire].
"You actually had Ian Bell and Trott who were flipped for their county and ended up doing it that way. So, I have no real issue with it.
"I think he has the technique and temperament and it's up to us to get the best out of him. We'll give him the backing to go and do it, so we can now finally see the potential that we all think he has.
"If you asked who is the best batsman for any position in the side you'd say Joe Root but after that we feel Pope is the man. Our bet is that in this environment we can get the best out of him. If Ben and Brendon can unlock it there's a seriously good Test cricketer there."
England also named two uncapped players in their squad for the first Test against New Zealand next month, with Yorkshire batter Harry Brook and Durham seamer Matty Potts earning call-ups off the back of some very impressive County Championship displays. Brook has scored 758 runs at 151.60, while Potts has picked up 35 wickets at 18.57.
Although Brook is set to miss out on a Test debut at Lord's, with Jonny Bairstow set to slot straight back in at five when he returns from the IPL, a raft of injury problems mean Potts is in line to make his debut. Key added: "Injuries to so many bowlers is definitely a concern and we are trying to find out why it is happening but I do like the look of Potts.
"He is in because of his county form and we are excited by what he offers. We see him as a point of difference."
