'He's aware of what he needs to do' - Brendon McCullum backs Ollie Pope ahead of Dharmsala Test

Brendon McCullum, England head coach, has thrown his support behind vice-captain Ollie Pope despite his recent struggles in the ongoing Test series against India. McCullum emphasized Pope's understanding of what's required as they approach the fifth and final Test, starting on March 7 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

Pope played a pivotal role in England's 28-run win in the opening Test in Hyderabad, where his exceptional 196-run innings earned him the Player of the Match award. However, his subsequent performances have been below par, contributing to England's setbacks in Vizag, Rajkot, and Ranchi, leading to India's unassailable 3-1 series lead.

"He’s (Ollie Pope) aware of what he needs to do. He obviously bagged them in the last Test and he’s gutted about that but look at the way he was then helping the skipper on the last day and diving around in the field," McCullum was quoted as saying by India Today.

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With the series victory already slipping away, England are now focused on securing the World Test Championship points in Dharamsala. The coach further emphasized that his primary concern is witnessing Pope deliver his best performance both with the bat and in the field.

"That’s the stuff you’re desperate for as a coach, to see people giving it their best regardless of their own performance. He displayed great leadership qualities and that showed where he’s at as a player, member of this team and as a person," the former cricketer added.

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McCullum disregarded concerns about Pope's form, citing examples of greats like Kevin Pietersen and Ricky Ponting who also took their time to settle into their innings throughout their illustrious careers.

"Look at Kevin Pietersen and Ricky Ponting when they first went out to bat. They were frenetic at the start and everyone’s susceptible when they first go out there. It’s just the way it is. But Popey is trying to be as calm as he can be when he goes out there and there’s a period when he needs to grab information from the wicket and get the rhythm of how the game is going," the former New Zealand captain concluded.