London/ Calcutta: Ollie Pope is all set to do a Sam Curran, if he is included in the England playing XI at Lord's, when they take on India in the second Test starting on Thursday.

The 20-year-old Surrey batsman has only 15 first-class matches under his belt, but is all set to make his debut in place of dropped Dawid Malan.

His County teammate Curran shone in the first Test of the series, with a five-wicket haul in India's first innings and a crucial half century in England's second. It was only his second Test appearance

"I think I'm probably similar to him (Curran) - just ready to put the shirt on and just want to perform at my best. We've both played a fair bit of County cricket now and things have gone on an upward spiral," Pope told reporters at Lord's on Tuesday.

It has been a whirlwind rise and Pope admits it has been hard to take in.

Was he inspired by Curran?

"Obviously I am inspired by him. I played with him since we were 14 or 15... We have gone through the same path and the way he played last week gives me confidence to know I can do that too. It's nice to do it with him.

"It's nice to do it with Sam in the same team. When I made my Surrey debut, there were four 19-year-olds at the same time. Things happen quickly. It's exciting."

Pope, who is comfortable dealing with spin, bats at six for Surrey but could even be asked to go in at No. 4 for his country.

Would he be comfortable with that?

"If required, yes. Specially against this Indian side. They bowl a lot of spin, so I don't think there's a massive difference. When I bat at No. 6, I can be in for the 10th over or for the second new ball. Four to six - I don't think there's a massive difference in the way you play.

Asked how he found out that he had been picked for the squad, Pope said: "I found out on Sunday morning. I was on the way to play for Surrey in a T20 at Essex. I had a flat tyre the day before, so had to get a lift with a mate. At the time I was in the car on my own. I saw Ed Smith's name pop up on my phone and I had an idea what it may be. From that moment, I hardly remember the conversation, just that it was a good one. I called my parents for a quick chat, they were buzzing."

He added: "I read an article or two (about the fact that he was in consideration) that I was tagged in on Twitter... I didn't really take them in, because you don't want to get your hopes up too high or you'll get let down. But I had an idea."

Did Joe Root and the others give him any indication about what will be his role at Lord's if he is chosen to play?

"I met up with them (the team) last night, we had a dinner at the hotel. We are training this afternoon, so I'll pick their brains about what they did when they made their debut. It's been a bit of a whirlwind two days. I haven't been told much. I don't what's going to happen."