Ollie Pope says the stick is still his priority despite maintaining the wicket in England’s two wins in Pakistan.
Pope, England’s number three, kept the wicket in the first Test because Ben Foakes was ill, then kept the gloves so the tourists could field an extra bowler in the second Test.
“My main priority is to keep producing points,” Pope said.
“I would always like to tie number three, make it my own. That will be my main focus.”
Prior to the first Test, Pope had only kept the wicket in seven first-class games, including a Test in New Zealand in 2019.
He scored a century in the opening innings at Rawalpindi but had a mixed game with the gloves. He lost a hold in Pakistan’s opener and failed to take the lead as England pushed for victory on the final afternoon.
However, he also claimed a clever stump and an acrobatic hold on the side of James Anderson’s leg.
In the second Test at Multan, Pope went 60 with the bat in England’s opening innings and had a largely error-free game with the gloves. His side-leg takedown to hold Saud Shakeel out of Mark Wood’s bowling on the fourth morning, given only after lengthy deliberation by the third referee, proved crucial in England’s victory.
“I certainly didn’t expect to stay here. It wasn’t on my radar,” Pope said. “With the guys who got sick last week, it gave us another bowling option, so I was happy to take it. I enjoyed the experience.
“I can still do better. I’m not even going to compare myself to Foakesy as a keeper, but I took a chance in the second test.”
England captain Ben Stokes has consistently called Foakes “the best wicketkeeper in the world”.
Although England have the option of using Pope or the injured Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps, Stokes said Foakes’ omission from the squad that played at Multan was no indication of his future prospects .
The England squad balance is likely to change for the two Tests in New Zealand in February, or Foakes could return if Stokes’ side make changes for the third Test against Pakistan in Karachi, from of Saturday.
Pope said he was happy to stay in the third Test if asked and that Surrey team-mate Foakes had helped him with his glove work.
“He’s the best in the world, one of my best friends and a pleasure to learn from,” Pope said.
“Under different conditions, somewhere like New Zealand, we could go for a more consistent team. It’s not for me to decide.”
England hold an unassailable 2-0 lead, the first time they have beaten Pakistan in a Test series outside the UK for 22 years.
They will be looking to wipe the slate clean in Karachi – Pakistan have never been beaten 3-0 in a home Test series.
