Pope's top form is down to Stew!

OLLIE Pope revealed a heart to heart with his mentor Alec Stewart helped pave the way for his timely return to form against New Zealand.

- RORY DOLLARD

Pope's association with the former England captain runs deep, with the 61-year-old overseeing his rise through the ranks as Surrey's director of cricket.

And it was Stewart who Pope sought out after a poor series in Pakistan, during which he averaged just 11, raised difficult questions over his role in the side.

The pair linked up at the Kia Oval for a pep talk that appeared to pay dividends on day two of the first Test in Christchurch, where Pope's 77 and an unbeaten 132 from Harry Brook changed England's fortunes.

After coming together at 71 for four, their stand of 151 helped carry the tourists to 319 for five at the close - just 29 behind with power to add.