Jacob Bethell Impresses in Test Debut with Unbeaten 50

Jacob Bethell, who made an impressive Test debut for England against New Zealand in Christchurch revealed that England surprised him by asking him to bat at number three. Having never batted above number four in his first-class career, Bethell admitted he would have requested the position if they hadn’t offered it. “I’ve always wanted to bat in the top four, so three is perfect,” he said. Bethell originally joined the New Zealand tour as batting cover but got his chance after an injury sidelined wicketkeeper Jordan Cox.

With regular number three Ollie Pope moving to wicketkeeping duties, Bethell stepped in at number three. He scored a vital 50 not out off 37 balls in England’s eight-wicket victory including the winning runs in the second innings. Bethell’s knock featuring eight fours and a six, helped England chase down 104 in just 13 overs. Born in Barbados and raised in the UK on a cricket scholarship, Bethell described his Test debut as “everything I’ve dreamed of,” recalling the thrill of playing against a top team in front of packed stands.

The moment became even more special as he walked off with Joe Root, a friend of his father’s. Although Jacob Bethell has never scored a century in senior professional cricket, he consistently raises his game in high-level competitions having made three half-centuries in 15 white-ball internationals for England. Bethell’s next big challenge will come in the Indian Premier League where Royal Challengers Bangalore has signed him. He looks forward to learning from stars like Virat Kohli, believing the experience will help him grow as a player.