England vice-captain Ollie Pope, who had been under the scanner for his lack of runs for England, revealed how he backed his natural game to bring out his best form with a century against India at Headingley.

Before the series, the batter had faced severe criticism for his lean patch over the past year. But the 27-year-old silenced the naysayers with a brilliant hundred to keep his side in the contest after a dominant start by India in the first innings.

Speaking at the press conference after the third day's play, Pope mentioned how he zoned into his natural game and used it to rediscover his best batting form.

Many at the number three position, but the team ultimately chose to back the experienced campaigner.

"I've tried not to let it affect me too much, to be honest. I'm well aware there's probably a fair bit that's been said, but for me, I've just been trying to make sure my game's in as good a place as possible, and when I get in, I try to make sure I make the most of it," Pope shared.

"I've tried to let the outside noise do its thing and just try to make sure my game keeps improving, and I get my headspace in a good place too," he added.

Despite his knock, he does not plan on getting ahead of himself and remains focused on the task at hand-to help his side keep winning.

As far as his form is concerned, he was never too worried, acknowledging that there can be times when things simply don't go your way.

"Look, it's early in the series, and there's a lot of stuff to be done. And I think I've had some really good series, and I've had some not-so-good series, so I think that's just kind of the way," he commented.

With this knock, he hopes to continue performing for the team and secure his place as England's go-to number three batter.

" I guess starting at number 3, you might get a ball with your name on it, and you might think I'm out of nick when you're not. I think my approach is just trying to take each game as it comes and, yeah, hopefully, continue cementing that spot," he added.

at the end of Day 3. Now, the onus is on the English bowlers to step up and ensure they keep the Indian batters quiet, as England look to begin the series on a winning note." I guess starting at number 3, you might get a ball with your name on it, and you might think I'm out of nick when you're not. I think my approach is just trying to take each game as it comes and, yeah, hopefully, continue cementing that spot," he added.

at the end of Day 3. Now, the onus is on the English bowlers to step up and ensure they keep the Indian batters quiet, as England look to begin the series on a winning note.