The Ashes: Ollie Pope respects England and gives vice-captain’s position to Harry Brook

Ollie Pope says he respects England’s decision to replace him with Harry Brook as vice-captain for the Ashes series.

Pope was deputy for most of Ben Stokes’ three years as Test captain, stepping up to captain on five occasions – including England’s final Test against India in July.

But the Surrey batsman was demoted when the squad was named to tour Australia in September.

Director of cricket Rob Key explained the move by saying Brook, who became England captain in the summer, is a “better captain”.

“If they think it’s the right thing for the team going forward, and obviously Brockie is leading the one-day team and the T20 team as well, then that’s absolutely fine with me and I respect the decision they’ve made,” Pope said.

The 27-year-old was speaking after making scores of 100 and 90 against the England Lions in England’s only Ashes warm-up match in Perth.

It was the first time Pope had been in the middle since playing in the county championship two months earlier.

He had a mixed summer for England, scoring hundreds in his first two innings – against Zimbabwe and India – and then passing 50 just once in the next eight.

Pope said he has “worked” on “some small technical parts” of his game, without revealing the full extent.

“Just flatten some areas,” he said.

With the discussion focusing on the quality and quantity of friendly matches England will play in the Ashes match, Pope was one of the players who took full advantage of the three days at Lilac Hill.

“I always stay a little away from friendly matches,” he said. “Even if I miss the opportunity, there is always something to gain from it.”

“I’m someone who likes to spend time in the middle just to prepare myself for the series. I found that really helpful.”