Can Bethell Do Enough to Stay in the Top Three?

Jacob Bethell has made a notable return to England's Test side, recently participating in his fifth match during the fourth Ashes Test in Australia. Despite his emerging role, Bethell acknowledges the need to solidify his position, particularly as England's number three batsman, stating he has "a lot more to do" to make the role his own. His performance, which included a pivotal 40 runs in the second innings, contributed to England's victory, marking an end to their 18-match winless streak in Australia.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jacob Bethell's recent performance in the Ashes has revitalised discussions around his potential as a long-term number three for England. His impressive innings in the fourth Test, coupled with a solid track record from previous encounters, has established him as a key player moving forward. As England prepares for the final Test in Sydney, Bethell is keen to secure his spot and demonstrate his capabilities in front of a passionate crowd.

Key takeaways

• Bethell scored a crucial 40 runs in the fourth Ashes Test, helping end England's losing streak in Australia.
• He has expressed a desire to solidify his position as England's number three batsman.
• Bethell's past performances have been notably stronger in second innings compared to first innings.

Timeline: how we got here

Jacob Bethell's journey to the Test side has unfolded over several months, marked by key milestones:

• December 2022: Bethell impresses during his initial Tests in New Zealand, scoring three half-centuries.
• 2025: After limited opportunities due to injury and the consistent form of Ollie Pope, he replaces Pope for the Boxing Day Test in Australia.
• January 2023: Bethell plays a crucial role in the fourth Ashes Test, scoring 40 runs and contributing to England's win.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Bethell's recent performance in the fourth Test has raised expectations for his role in the final match of the series. His desire to establish himself as a number three batsman is a focal point of current discussions.

What was already established

Prior to this Test series, Bethell had only batted at number three in Test matches, having not previously played higher than number four in first-class cricket. His record of performing better in second innings has been a consistent observation in his short Test career.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As Bethell and the England cricket team navigate the Ashes series, public interest and engagement with cricket are expected to rise. Successful performances can lead to increased support for cricket at the grassroots level, further benefiting local communities.

Businesses and jobs

Bethell's involvement in high-profile matches can enhance the visibility of cricket-related businesses, from merchandise sales to local cricket clubs seeking to attract new players. His success may inspire sponsorship opportunities for emerging players.

Policy and regulation

England's cricket authorities may look at Bethell's performance as part of broader strategies to develop young talent. His success could influence discussions around player development pathways and investment in upcoming cricketing talent.

Numbers that matter

• 40: The number of runs Bethell scored in the second innings of the fourth Ashes Test.
• 18: The length of England's winless streak in Australia before this victory.
• 67: Bethell's average in second innings across his five Test matches, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Test cricket: The longest form of the sport, where matches are played over five days.
• Number three: A batting position typically reserved for a skilled player who can anchor the innings.
• IPL: The Indian Premier League, a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Bethell will focus on making a strong impression in the final Ashes Test in Sydney, aiming to secure his place in the team for upcoming fixtures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Ashes, Bethell will be part of England's white-ball plans and will return to the IPL, which may further enhance his skills and experience.

Signals to watch

• Performance metrics in the upcoming final Test.
• Selection announcements for the subsequent series against New Zealand.
• Bethell's performance in the IPL and its impact on his Test career.

Practical guidance

Do

• Keep an eye on Bethell's performance in the upcoming matches.
• Engage with local cricket clubs to support budding talent.
• Follow cricket news for updates on team selections and player developments.

Don’t

• Dismiss the impact of young players like Bethell on the future of English cricket.
• Overlook the importance of red-ball cricket experience for Test players.
• Assume immediate success; many players require time to develop.

Checklist

• Monitor Bethell's statistics in upcoming matches.
• Review England's Test squad announcements post-Ashes.
• Engage with cricket communities for insights and support.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Bethell's performances have been promising, there are uncertainties regarding his long-term position on the team. The fluctuation in player form, injuries, and competition from other players could impact his future. Alastair Cook's comments highlight the necessity for sustained exposure to red-ball cricket, suggesting that without regular playing time, Bethell's development may stall.

Bottom line

Jacob Bethell's recent performance has set the stage for potential long-term success in England's Test side, but he recognises the need for consistent improvement. As he looks to cement his place, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how he capitalises on his opportunities in the upcoming matches.

FAQs

What is Jacob Bethell's current batting position?

Jacob Bethell is currently vying for the number three batting position in the England Test team, following a strong performance in the fourth Ashes Test.

How has Bethell performed in his Test career so far?

In his five Test matches, Bethell has shown a remarkable ability to perform in the second innings, averaging nearly 67 runs compared to a lower average in first innings.

What are Bethell's future plans after the Ashes series?

After the Ashes, Jacob Bethell is set to be involved in England's white-ball plans and return to the IPL, continuing to develop his skills.