SURREY batsman Ollie Pope, who lives in Haslemere, has been called up for his England debut in the second Test against India at Lord’s, starting on Thursday.

Twenty-year-old Pope, who replaces Dawid Malan, is currently the second highest run-scorer in County Championship Division One, with 684 runs at an average of 85.50.

A right-handed batsman, who can also keep wicket, he averages 63.25 after just 15 first-class matches, having made his debut in July last year.

He scored a century in his third first-class game and three hundreds this summer, including 145 against Hampshire, as Surrey powered to the top of the Championship table.

Pope bats at six for his county, but will be asked to take a big step up to four against India who lost the first Test by 31 runs.

National selector Ed Smith said: “Ollie Pope has made an exceptional start to his first-class career. The selection panel believe Ollie’s performances and character suggest he is well suited to international cricket.” He described Pope as the ‘standout batsman’ in Division One.

Ollie Pope went to Cranleigh School, where he was a prolific run-scorer and captained the 1st XI for two seasons. He came up through Surrey’s youth and academy system and took part in Guildford CC’s Emerging Players Programme. He signed a two-year contract with the county in August, 2016.

Last May, he passed on his batting skills during a masterclass with youngsters at Barrow Hills School in Witley.