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

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

Pope stood in for Ben Stokes as Test captain for three years, leading England five times, including in the final Test against India in July.

However, when the squad was named for the Australia tour in September, Surrey’s player was demoted.

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

Pope said: “If they feel it’s the right thing for the team going forward and of course Brooky also manages the one-day affairs and the T20 stuff, 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 the England Lions in England’s only Ashes warm-up match in Perth.

This was Pope’s first outing since playing in the County Championship two months ago.

It’s been a mixed summer for England; He scored hundreds in his first two innings against Zimbabwe and India and scored 50 only once in his next eight innings.

Pope said he was “working on” a “few small technical parts” of the game but did not reveal the full scope.

“I’m just fixing a few areas,” he said.

With discussions focusing on the quality and quantity of England’s Ashes warm-up fixtures, Pope was one of the players who made the most of his three days at Lilac Hill.

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

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