New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- Following back-to-back defeats against Australia in the first two Ashes, England head coach Brendon McCullum subsequently backed Ollie Pope as England's No. 3, stating he's done well.

Pope has had a decent first two games, making 105 runs in four innings at an average of 26.25 and a strike rate of 70.00.

"I think most people were frenetic outside off stump on this pitch tonight. Popey [Ollie Pope] has been number three. He's done well. He's averaged 40 odd [40.58] for us. He's our number three here in Australia," Brendon McCullum said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

From McCullum, there was greater support for another England batter, Jamie Smith, who he said works very hard on his game. The wicketkeeper/batter joined ...