Ben Stokes said that Ollie Pope was never in danger of being dropped for this week's opening Test against India, claiming it would be "remarkable" to leave his vice-captain out.

Pope was selected over Jacob Bethell in England's latest squad, retaining his place at number three following his stunning knock of 171 in their innings thrashing of Zimbabwe. 

Bethell missed that match while on Indian Premier League duty for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but a fine start to his England career led to calls for him to return. 

The 21-year-old put on composed displays when batting third in the order, scoring three fifties in New Zealand over the winter in his debut Test series. 

He also shone in the recent white-ball game against the West Indies, striking 82 runs in 53 deliveries as England emerged victorious by an enormous 238 runs. 

The Warwickshire all-rounder, who shared a seventh-wicket stand of 98 from 44 balls with Will Jacks and also took a wicket, was also named the man of the match. 

But vice-captain Pope has been given the nod, though Stokes explained that he fully stood by his decision. 

"[The] big selection came from not us. It would be remarkable to choose to someone else if their last knock was 170. That's pretty much all I need to see on that," said Stokes.

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Asked how Pope has dealt with the extra scrutiny around his position, Stokes said he was taking it in his stride as he aims to build on his fine showing last month. 

"In this day and age, it's tough to not see all the speculation around it because of how easily accessible things are. You don't even have to go and hunt for it to see it these days.

"I think scoring 170 in his last Test match shows how well he can handle that extra scrutiny of it and it comes with territory. When you're an international player, it comes with it.

"It's one of those things, when you're a kid, you dream about playing for England and it's an unbelievable thing. The other side of it is, you can come under the pump for it.

"That's part of the territory and handling it. It will always come someone's way at some point."

England's five-Test series against India precedes their away Ashes tour later this year, where they have not won in almost 15 years.

Stokes had been sidelined since December after tearing his left hamstring in New Zealand, but returned last month for England. 

"Physically, when I was 20 I didn't even know what stiffness was! I'm 34 and everything is just naturally a bit harder to do," said Stokes on his fitness.

"I've worked hard to be where I am today. Physically, where I'm at is great. I'm raring to go. I'm just a bit more sensible about my build-up.

"I worked hard for the first two training days. The two days out are chiller than the day before to make sure everything is ready to go come game day."