Surrey star batsman Ollie Pope replaces Dawid Malan in England squad for second Test versus India at Lord’s

The 20-year-old Surrey man comes in for Dawid Malan whose poor run of form has finally caught up with him.

The other change to the 13-man squad for the Test which starts on Thursday sees Chris Woakes replace fellow all-rounder Ben Stokes, whose trial for alleged affray begins on Monday.

Pope is currently the second highest run-scorer in County Championship Division One this season, amassing 684 runs at an average of 85.50 for the Division One leaders. He has scored three centuries and has a top score of 158 not out.

That is in stark contrast to the form of 30-year-old left-hander Malan who is averaging only 16.89 in nine Test innings since last winter’s Ashes.

He also shelled three catches during England’s 31-run Test victory over India at Edgbaston, including dropping Virat Kohli. The India captain, on 21 at the time, went on to make 149 in the first innings.


National selector Ed Smith said: “Ollie Pope has made an exceptional start to his first-class career.

"The selection panel believe Ollie's performances and character suggest he is well suited to international cricket.

“Dawid Malan drops out of the squad for Lord’s. Dawid has not found his best rhythm this season, and it may be that his game is better suited to overseas conditions.

“Ben Stokes is unavailable, but Chris Woakes, with some extra matches and practices under his belt, can now return to the England squad after injury.”

Joe Root's England lead the five-Test series 1-0 with further Tests at Trent Bridge, Southampton and the Oval to come after next week’s clash at Lord’s.

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