Stand-in England captain Ollie Pope says he is “not hiding” from his poor form after a highest score of 17 in his past five Test innings.

Pope, 26, has led England to a series victory over Sri Lanka, but managed only 30 runs in his two matches in charge.

“That’s the way cricket is sometimes – form comes and goes,” said Pope.

“The best players are the ones who can draw a line under it. Hopefully I can put a score together.”

Pope has stepped up to lead England for the first time in the absence of captain Ben Stokes, who is missing the Sri Lanka series with a hamstring injury.

In the opening two Tests of the summer against West Indies, Pope made a century and two half-centuries in three innings, only to struggle since.

England won the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s by 190 runs, with Pope contributing scores of one and 17.

After the first innings, former England skipper Michael Vaughan said Pope is “not the kind of personality I’d want as the England captain”.

Surrey’s Pope said he was “not surprised” his position has attracted debate.

“Chatting to Stokesy before this series, when you’re captain you attract a lot more,” said Pope.

“It’s important to block it out and stay close with the people around me.

“There are a lot of voices, a lot of guys who want to have their say, past cricketers as well. That’s completely fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.”