During their historic series win over New Zealand, Jacob Bethell was one of England’s key players. Despite the criticism of his selection Bethell shone against the Kiwi attack and scored three half centuries in three games. With the rise of Jacob Bethell, England faces a selection dilemma ahead of its next test match series.
Jacob Bethell Silences Critics With Assured Batting Display
Before the New Zealand tour, it was announced that Jacob Bethell would be part of the team. This caused criticism from fans. The reason being that the Warwickshire player had only played a handful of County Championship games and traditionally batted at seven.
However, that all changed when Jordan Cox’s finger injury ruled him out of the series. Consequently, this forced England to rejig their batting order. Ollie Pope was forced to slot down at six, while Bethell was promoted to three.
Before the first test, former England captain Nasser Hussain spoke on Sky Sports and said, “It is a bit of a gamble. There is a lad who hasn’t batted there (at three). There is a lad who has never got a first-class hundred. Bethell is a supreme talent. He really is. We’ve seen that in white ball cricket. It’s a very McCullum/Stokes and Rob Key decision they got on the ceiling on what this lad can get to and see selection as an investment.”
Despite all the critics before the series, Jacob Bethell shone in New Zealand. The Warwickshire player looked at home against an experienced Kiwi attack. The twenty-year-old took full advantage of his opportunity at number three by scoring three half-centuries in six innings. Bethell’s runs were crucial as England beat New Zealand 2-1 in their backyard.
England Face Selection Dilemma
Following on from the success of Jacob Bethell, England now faces a selection dilemma. Ollie Pope, England’s usual number three, was slotted into number six and shone in his new position. Pope, who has struggled at number three, was averaging 25 before travelling to New Zealand. However, his success at number six and the form of Bethell could force Ben Stokes to change the batting order.
Furthermore, with Jamie Smith also shining in his test career so far, England faces a welcome dilemma that will force Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum to think. Smith missed the New Zealand tour due to the birth of his first child. The Surrey man was picked ahead of Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes and has enjoyed a stellar start to the game’s longer format. It remains to be seen how England will miss its next test series in May with a one-off test against Zimbabwe.
Will Jacob Bethell keep his place as England’s new number three? Comment below
