Pope was axed after playing the first three in matches against Australia Down Under with Jacob Bethell then coming in and taking his chance with a maiden Test hundred.
The 28-year-old Pope also had the vice-captaincy taken off him before the tour to Australia, with with white-ball skipper Harry Brook installed as Ben Stokes’ deputy.
Pope will have full start to the home summer with county Surrey to get back in the runs and stay in contention for a place in the England squad.
“I didn’t want to get dropped of course, but it was the right decision at the time,” Pope said.
“I still feel I can become a better player to bat at No.3 if something were to happen. But we’ll see how the next few weeks pans out and going into the season.
“My summer, I’m not 100% sure what it looks like going forward. We’ve got a block of seven games for Surrey in the Championship, so I just want to make sure my game keeps improving, my game keeps developing, for if and when the England stuff comes around again.
“It’s different when you’re not constantly playing in the Test matches. To have a block like this, I can go back to what really works well for me and make sure my game is in as good a place [as it can be].
“I’ve played a lot of Test cricket now. Sixty-four Tests, I still feel like my best batting years are to come. That, for me, is to make sure I make the most of the experiences that I’ve had, as well as this time to kick on now.”
