England Test captain Ben Stokes lashed out at the media for allegedly taking his comments on Jacob Bethell out of context to suit an agenda against Ollie Pope.

Speaking after England's innings-and-45-run win over Zimbabwe in Nottingham, Stokes defended Pope, who struck an imperious 171 on day one - his eighth Test hundred against eight different opponents.

Stokes was particularly critical of the way his quotes were presented by the media. He had been asked on Wednesday whether Bethell, who batted at No. 3 in the previous series in New Zealand but missed this week’s match due to IPL commitments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, would come straight back into the side for next month's series against India.

Pope has been batting at No. 3 since Stokes took over as England’s Test captain in 2022. However, he dropped down the order in the Zimbabwe match to take up wicketkeeping duties after Jordan Cox broke a finger in the lead-up to the first Test.

Bethell scored 260 runs at an average of 52.00 across six innings, including three half-centuries. Stokes was asked whether Bethell was still considered the "incumbent No. 3" with England preparing for grueling series against India and Australia.

"If you're smart enough, the series that Beth had out in New Zealand, obviously he's going to be back in the UK for that India series. So, I think you put 2 and 2 together, you probably know what's going to happen," Stokes told the media.

Stokes expressed dismay with the media coverage of his remarks, later clarifying that he was referring to Bethell returning to the squad, not necessarily the playing XI.

"There's always someone going to be under the spotlight," Stokes told BBC Test Match Special. "We've come into this game and I've personally felt that it was a bit of a… I don't know… not a vendetta… but I got asked a simple question about Bethell, said put two and two together, he comes back into the squad, and then all of a sudden it turns into something that suits the agenda of the time.

"He's [Pope] my vice-captain, and he's been incredible for me at No. 3 and for the team. I think he's averaging over 40 now (43.06 at No. 3), so it just suited what was being said, to be honest. Very, very pleased for him that he went out there and played the way that he did. He's an important part of this team beyond just his runs—he's a leader within the group, and I value his leadership role as vice-captain as well.

"He's a quality player. As I said, since he's gone up to No. 3 under my captaincy, he's performed very, very well. Being vice-captain, he comes up with some great ideas out in the middle—especially when I'm bowling and get into my own rhythm. It’s great having someone like Popey out there who can help me along in those moments."