England Surprise Selection: Jacob Bethell Joins Test Squad for New Zealand Tour

At 21 years old, Bethell is set to be named in the squad announced later this week as a 'batting bolter.' Jordan Cox will take over wicketkeeping duties in Smith's absence, having served as a backup during England’s Test series in Pakistan.

Oct 29, 2024 - 15:35
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England Surprise Selection: Jacob Bethell Joins Test Squad for New Zealand Tour

England has made an unexpected addition to its Test squad by calling up Jacob Bethell as batting cover for Jamie Smith, who will miss the final two Tests to attend the birth of his child. Bethell, who has recently impressed in limited-overs formats, has participated in seven One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 matches for England, showcasing his talent with a standout performance against Australia, where he scored 44 runs off just 24 balls in his second T20 match.

At 21 years old, Bethell is set to be named in the squad announced later this week as a 'batting bolter.' Jordan Cox will take over wicketkeeping duties in Smith's absence, having served as a backup during England’s Test series in Pakistan. While Bethell has yet to make a significant mark in first-class cricket, with a modest average of 25.44 and no hundreds to his name, the England management, led by director Rob Key, coach Brendon McCullum, and captain Ben Stokes, have shown a preference for players based on potential rather than past achievements.

This philosophy was evident earlier this year when Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley were selected for the India tour. Similarly, the inclusion of players like Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse reflects a belief in their suitability for Test cricket over traditional county performance metrics.

Currently, Bethell is part of England's limited-overs squad in the Caribbean and will continue his international journey alongside Cox and fellow player Rehan Ahmed, who are transitioning from their roles in Pakistan to the New Zealand tour.

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