From Sydney, New South Wales, he was selected for the Test as the result of a player strike during the English tour of Australia during the 1884–85 season, and made three runs across his two innings.

Having studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Pope was head of the ophthalmology section of Sydney Hospital for a period of 17 years, and was later involved in the establishment of the library and art gallery of the City of Newcastle.

[3] The English cricket team was touring the Australian colonies at the time, and the second Test match of the series was scheduled to be held in Melbourne beginning on 1 January 1885, two days after the conclusion of the New South Wales–Victoria game.

A number of leading New South Wales players, including Jack Blackham, Harry Boyle, George Bonnor, and Percy McDonnell objected to the payment arrangements for the tour, and boycotted the first and second Tests in protest at what they perceived at unfair treatment.

The Victorian Cricket Association was forced to choose a team comprising nine debutants (including Pope) for the Test, with Tom Horan as captain.