Pakistan v England: Ollie Pope stays focused on the stick

Pope, England's number three, took the wicket in the first Test because Ben Foakes was ill, then saved the gloves so the tourists could field an extra bowler in the second Test.

"My main priority is to keep producing runs," Pope said.

"I would always like to tie up number three, make it mine. That will be my main focus."

Before the first test, Pope had only kept the wicket in seven first-class matches, including a test in New Zealand in 2019.

He marked a century in the first innings in Rawalpindi but had a mixed game with the gloves, missing a hold in Pakistan's first inning and failing to take the lead as England pushed for victory the last afternoon.

However, he also called for clever stumping and an acrobatic hold on the side of the leg of James Anderson.

In the second test in Multan, Pope made 60 with the bat during the England's first innings and had a largely error-free game with the gloves. u side of the leg to hold Saud Shakeel from bowling Mark Wood on the fourth morning, given only after lengthy deliberation by the third referee, proved crucial in England's victory.

"I certainly didn't expect to stay here. It wasn't on my radar,” Pope said. “With the guys getting sick last week, it gave us another bowling option, so I was happy to take it. I enjoyed the experience.

"I can still do better. I'm not even going to compare myself -even to Foakesy as a keeper, but I tried my luck in the second test."

England captain Ben Stokes has consistently called Foakes "the best wicketkeeper in the world".

Although the England have the option of using Pope or injured Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps, Stokes said Foakes' omission from the squad that played at Multan was no indication of his future prospects.

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The England squad balance is subject to change for the two Tests in New Zealand in February, or Foakes could return if Stokes' side make changes for the third Test against the Pakistan in Karachi, from Saturday.

Pope said he was happy to stay in the third test if asked and his teammate of Surrey Foakes was helping him with his glove work.

"He's the best in the world, one of my best friends and great for learning," Pope said.

"Under different conditions , somewhere like New Zealand, we could opt for a more regular team. It's not for me to decide."

England hold an unassailable 2-0 lead, the first time they have beaten Pakistan in a Test series outside the UK for 22 years.

They will be looking for a free kick in Karachi - Pakistan have never been beaten 3-0 in s a series of home tests.