Joe Root backs England starlet Ollie Pope to make leap as No4 batter ahead of Second Test against India

OLLIE POPE got skipper Joe Root’s backing to make the “big jump” from batting at No 6 for Surrey to England’s No 4.

Pope has never batted higher than No 5 for his county.

But Root said: “Ollie’s game is transferable to bat at No 4 in Tests.

“I know it might be seen as quite a big jump.

“But he’s an exciting talent.”

Virat Kohli, though, has issued a warning to 20-year-old novice Pope.

And he says he will be targeted by his India side.

Captain Kohli said: “It’s a big occasion for him.

“We want to try to knock him over as early as possible.

“I’ll tell him to enjoy the occasion — and not to get too many runs!”