Red-hot England batsman Ollie Pope says he will thrive under the pressure of the Ashes after seeing off Jacob Bethell's claim to the number three spot

Ollie Pope hopes his new-found ability to deliver under pressure will see him flourish in the Ashes after securing his place for Friday’s first Test.

Pope, 27, travelled to Australia facing a challenge from Jacob Bethell for the No 3 spot, but was named in the England XI to face England Lions in the only practice match and followed an even 100 with a stunning 67-ball 90.

Five months ago, the Surrey batsman saw off Bethell’s claim to start the series against India, responding by striking his ninth Test hundred in Leeds, before one 50 in eight innings and the loss of the vice-captaincy saw the issue resurface.

‘I've got so used to those conversations being had. I don't go looking for them but it's pretty hard to avoid sometimes,’ Pope said.

‘I've just learned to focus on my game, trying to become a better player each time I step out and that's all I can do.

‘It’s been good for me that I’ve learnt that under the most pressure I’ve been able to deliver, especially in that Headingley Test. I know that I can learn how to deal with that and get the best out of myself at times.

‘Everyone wants to be the first name on the team sheet, that’s pretty clear, but at the same time we’re playing international sport. I’ve got to remind myself of that at times, there’s always going to be someone on your heel if you haven’t quite scored the volume of runs that you would have liked. I’m learning to live with it, and put my best foot forward.’

Pope did lose his place three matches into the previous Ashes here four years ago, responding boldly by calling the new captain Ben Stokes the following summer and asking to bat at three.

‘I just wasn’t as clear how I wanted to play. I didn’t know my game well enough and I didn’t know the conditions like I thought I might have known them. So, they’re things I’ve banked,’ he said, of his previous experience down under.

He has also come to terms, he says, with being replaced as Stokes’ deputy by England limited-overs captain Harry Brook.

‘If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward, then that’s absolutely fine by me and I respect the decision they’ve made.’

Meanwhile, Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler and the leading wicket-taker amongst the tourists in 2021-22, is expected to participate fully in training at the Optus Stadium on Tuesday after being cleared of any damage after reporting soreness in his left hamstring.