New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) Jacob Bethell asserts that there is no rivalry with Ollie Pope as England gears up for the upcoming Ashes tour in Australia this winter. Instead, he is concentrating on seizing any opportunity that arises. Pope, who occupied the No. 3 position during England's home series against India, was favored over Bethell for most of the summer. However, the 21-year-old did make an appearance in the final Test at No. 6, stepping in for the injured captain Ben Stokes, and he may now have a chance to vie for a top-order position after Harry Brook took over the vice-captaincy from Pope.

In an interview with Sky Sports at the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Awards, Bethell expressed that there is no tension between him and Pope. “Popey and I have a great relationship; I wouldn't label it a rivalry—there's a lot of external chatter, but it doesn't impact us,” he explained.

“I have a strong rapport with Popey, and we train very effectively together. He is currently the batter competing for that No. 3 role. He has performed exceptionally well. This team is quite special at the moment, so if I get an opportunity, I will aim to capitalize on it.”

Bethell, who tallied three half-centuries in last winter's Test series victory in New Zealand and achieved his first professional century during the ODI series against South Africa in September, remarked that participating in the Ashes would be a lifelong aspiration realized.

“I recall watching [The Ashes] on television and feeling the sheer intensity of it all, which fueled my ambition. Playing in it would be a dream come true,” he stated.

Looking back on his year, Bethell admitted it wasn't his most stable season, but it has increased his resolve. “From a personal perspective, I would have hoped for a better season, but there have been performances I’m genuinely proud of. That has ignited a fire in me, and I aim to build on that. I will do my utmost to break into the Test team, but I understand that whatever happens is beyond my control,” he added.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Test vice-captain Harry Brook expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Stokes, who is recuperating from a shoulder injury that curtailed his summer season. “With Stokesy, I don't think I'll need to do much. I'll support him along the way, but I'm not anticipating having to take on too much responsibility,” Brook commented.

On his own leadership responsibilities, Brook shared, “I believe it comes naturally. It reflects in my training, behavior, and actions.”

Brook will captain England’s white-ball team on their forthcoming tour of New Zealand starting October 18, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs, before the attention shifts to the Ashes, commencing in Perth on November 21.