New Zealand v England: Ollie Pope shows value through versatility

Pope was pragmatic. 77 is 77 when you haven’t managed to make it to 30 since September.

“In Pakistan, I missed out on a real flat one and then wasn’t able to find a way as well as I would’ve liked in the other two Tests,” he told BBC Sport.

“I looked within at how I can keep taking my game forward. I worked hard in between series so it’s nice to see the rewards and hopefully I can kick on throughout the rest of the series.”

It has been a curious 2024 for the 26-year-old. Pope’s 196 in the first Test of the year, an all-time great win against India in Hyderabad, will live forever as one of the best knocks played by an Englishman overseas.

But it has been feast or famine. Two more centuries and little else. Despite the runs in Christchurch, Pope retains the unwanted record of the lowest average, 33.73, for any Test batter with three tons in a calendar year.

A historical problem is the act of getting in, surviving long enough to give himself a chance of a score. In 48 of his 88 Test innings, Pope has been dismissed inside 30 deliveries.

How Pope would love the calmness of Jacob Bethell, who was entirely unfazed as the temporary number three in Christchurch.

Whether or not the 21-year-old should be batting that high or even in the team is another debate. He only made 10, yet was not out of his depth against quality bowling in demanding conditions.

In that search for serenity, Pope has gone to his Surrey confidant Alec Stewart, who himself knows all about versatility. Stewart was England captain, vice-captain, keeper and batted in every position from one to seven. He also bowled a few overs on the tour of the West Indies in 1994.