I tend to the opinion that they have been unduly harsh on Malan. He's not made much so far this Summer, but had a really good winter and certainly demonstrated the temprament of a test player. One more test, given it was at Lords, was the least he deserved. Especially when Buttler got 0 and 5 and looked all at sea.
As to Pope. The kid looks decent, I agree, and should certainly have expected a test career. Whether now is too soon, and whether calling up a lad who has batted mostly at six for his county to bat four is really the right move, will have to be seen.