The Ashes: Ollie Pope respects England giving vice-captaincy to Harry Brook

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

Pope has been deputy for most of Ben Stokes’ three years as Test skipper, stepping up to lead on five occasions – including England’s last Test against India in July.

But the Surrey batter was demoted when the squad for the tour of Australia was named in September.

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

Pope said: “If they think that’s the right thing for the team going forward, and obviously Brooky captaining the one-day stuff and the T20 stuff as well, that’s absolutely fine by me and I respect the decision they’ve made.”

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

It was Pope’s first time in the middle since playing in the County Championship two months ago.

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

Pope said he has “worked” on “a couple of little technical bits” of his game, without revealing the full extent.

“Just smoothing out a few areas,” he said.

With debate focusing on the quality and quantity of England’s Ashes warm-up fixtures, Pope was one of the players who took full advantage of the three days at Lilac Hill.

“I always take a bit away from warm-up games. Even if I miss out, there’s always something to take from it,” he said.

“I’m someone who likes time in the middle just to get myself ready for a series. I found it really beneficial.”