Jacob Bethell could have been a Barbados Player

Jacob Bethell, an exceptionally talented all-rounder from Warwickshire, hails from Barbados, where he had the privilege of growing up in close proximity to Sir Garfield Sobers, one of cricket's greatest legends. Bethell, who is on the brink of making his England debut in the upcoming Twenty20 series against Australia, often reflects on the invaluable advice he has received from Sobers, considered by many as the finest living cricketer.

Early Influences

During his childhood in Barbados, Bethell became well-acquainted with Sobers, the island's most celebrated cricketing figure. He recalls how, through the local sports community, he formed a relationship with Sobers, who was a family friend. Bethell mentioned that his uncle and Sobers often played golf together, and he occasionally joined them for a round, where they would chat about various topics. This camaraderie has become a regular and cherished part of his life. Bethell admired the flair that Sobers brought to the game and has tried to incorporate some of it into his own style. Over the years, Bethell has been fortunate enough to gain insights from Sobers, whom he describes as not just a legend in cricket but also as an incredible person.

Sobers, who played alongside Bethell’s grandfather, Arthur, in the 1960s, often jokes with Bethell about how much easier modern cricket is compared to their era. He remarks on the advancements in protective gear and better-quality bats, as well as how bowlers in his day could drag their back foot, effectively reducing the distance between them and the batsman, making deliveries even faster. Sobers’ main advice to Bethell has been to work hard and focus on watching the ball, though their conversations often delve into memorable Test matches and the innings Sobers played, highlighting his unwavering self-confidence and positive outlook on the game. Bethell, with his blond-streaked hair and laid-back demeanor, embodies some of that same confidence and flair in his cricket, something he hopes will become more evident as his career progresses.

Batting Style

There are striking similarities between Bethell and Sobers as cricketers, particularly in their playing styles. Both are left-handed batsmen with a penchant for aggressive strokeplay and left-arm spin bowling. Like Sobers, Bethell started out bowling left-arm seam before transitioning to spin. He confidently asserts his identity as an all-rounder, though his batting currently stands out as his stronger suit.

Last summer, a member of the England management team approached Warwickshire, suggesting that Bethell be given more opportunities to showcase his talents. His unique skill set aligns well with the national team’s focus on attributes rather than just averages. During the T20 World Cup, England's lack of left-handers was exposed, especially in Guyana when Indian spinners effectively bowled away from the right-handed batsmen. Bethell’s combination of powerful left-handed hitting and spin bowling positions him as a potential successor to Moeen Ali, his teammate at both Warwickshire and Birmingham Phoenix.

At just 20 years old, Bethell is already making waves with his explosive performances. In this year’s T20 Blast, he hammered 56 not out off just 16 balls, including seven sixes, against Northamptonshire. His outstanding form continued in The Hundred, where he accumulated 111 runs from 76 balls while only being dismissed twice. Although he has established himself as a regular in the County Championship this season, his most significant impact has come in the shorter formats. Like Moeen, Bethell excels at taking on spin, particularly when the ball turns in from slow left-armers or leg-spinners. After starting as an opener for England Under-19s, he now plays a flexible role, often batting between four and six, adapting to the needs of the team depending on the match situation.

Bethell’s cricketing roots run deep in Barbados, where his family has lived for generations. The Bethells are firmly embedded in the island’s cricketing culture, with Jacob honing his skills in the local club scene and representing the historic Wanderers Cricket Club, which also nurtured the talents of Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Holder, both former West Indies Test captains. Although Bethell had a fondness for England, inspired by heroes like Joe Root, his early years were firmly aligned with West Indies cricket.

At the age of 11, Bethell enrolled at the Franklyn Stephenson Academy, where he was mentored by Stephenson, the last player to achieve the all-rounder’s double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in a County Championship season. Stephenson was so impressed with Bethell's talent that he invited Brian Lara to watch him play. Lara reportedly told Bethell that he was more skilled at 11 than Lara himself had been at that age. In 2015, just before Bethell turned 12, he played against an older Scottish school team and impressed everyone by scoring a half-century and taking five wickets.

After the match, John Blain, a former Scotland cricketer and coach at Loretto School, approached Bethell with an offer to come to the UK. Blain then passed on Bethell’s details to Michael Powell, the former Warwickshire captain and then director of cricket at Rugby School. By the age of 13, Bethell had secured a sports scholarship to Rugby, turning down offers from other schools that had recognised his potential.

Journey to England 

Bethell reflects on his decision to move to England, acknowledging that the opportunities there were greater. Although leaving his parents was daunting, he considers it one of the best decisions he has made on his journey to becoming a professional cricketer. He fondly remembers his time at Rugby School, likening it to a never-ending sleepover. Powell and his wife became like second parents to him, providing constant guidance as he progressed through the Warwickshire age-group system.

At Rugby, Bethell was known for his spin bowling and his ability to time the ball with the bat. He recalls that much of his game at the time was based on rotating the strike and absorbing pressure, as he was physically smaller than many of his peers. However, from the age of 15, he began to bulk up, which significantly transformed his game. As he gained strength, his power-hitting improved, and his confidence grew, shaping him into the dynamic player he is today.

One notable aspect of Bethell’s batting is his high backlift, which has drawn comparisons to the techniques of Sobers and Lara. He explains that having rhythm in his hands helps him engage his entire body, and the high backlift gives him more leverage and power. This distinctive Bajan flair will soon be on display in international cricket, most likely in the near future. Bethell expresses his ambition to play for England, whether that opportunity comes in the next year or a few years down the line. Despite his success in white-ball cricket, his ultimate dream is to represent England in Test cricket, the format that Sobers once dominated.