England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett shared a blistering stand in the fifth and deciding Test against India at the Oval on Friday before Akash Deep sparked the latest flare-up in a controversial series.
Number three the only position really up for debate as England headed into a crucial run of Tests under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, but Ollie Pope's century against India justified the faith shown in him.
England vice-captain Ollie Pope has retained his place at number three for the first Test against India, meaning rising star Jacob Bethell must wait for his return to red-ball internationals.
Selector Luke Wright said "runs are the currency" as England consider the makeup of their top order ahead of a busy summer that include high-profile Test series against India and Australia.
Ollie Pope returned to form on his Oval home ground with a first hundred as England captain on Friday's opening day of the third Test against Sri Lanka.
Since Brendon McCullum was appointed as England's red-ball coach in May 2022 they have become known for their aggressive 'Bazball' approach.
Thorpe, widely regarded as the outstanding England batsman of his generation, died aged 55 earlier this month after being hit by a train, with his wife Amanda confirming he had taken his own life having suffered from depression for several years.
Pope was one of three century-makers for the hosts as England won the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge by 241 runs, with Harry Brook and Joe Root following him to three figures in a series-clinching success.
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been given an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for an incident on the fourth day of India's first Test against England in Hyderabad.
Thorpe, widely regarded as the outstanding England batsman of his generation, died aged 55 earlier this month after being hit by a train, with his wife Amanda confirming he had taken his own life having suffered from depression for several years.
Pope was one of three century-makers for the hosts as England won the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge by 241 runs, with Harry Brook and Joe Root following him to three figures in a series-clinching success.
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been given an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for an incident on the fourth day of India's first Test against England in Hyderabad.
Ollie Pope hit 196 as England ended their second innings on 420 all out on Sunday's day four, with India needing 231 runs to win the opening Test.
Ollie Pope struck a defiant century to help England bounce back with a lead of 126 after their batting stutter against a persistent Indian attack in the opening Test on Saturday.
Pope was injured while fielding on the first day at Lord's last week and aggravated the problem after England were told they were not permitted to use a substitute fielder in the second innings
