England is reportedly preparing to bring uncapped all-rounder Jacob Bethell into their Test squad for the upcoming series in New Zealand. The 24-year-old will likely join as cover for Jamie Smith, who will miss part of the series to be with his family for the birth of his first child. Jordan Cox is expected to take on wicketkeeping duties in Smith’s absence, while Bethell will serve as batting cover.
Bethell made his international debut this past summer in England’s limited-overs series against Australia, catching attention with a brisk 44 off 24 balls in the second T20I and making a strong showing as a bowler throughout the ODI series. Yet, despite his promising start, Bethell’s first-class career has seen modest success, with a current average of 25.44 across 20 matches since his 2021 red-ball debut. He has yet to achieve a century in any format, although he has recorded five half-centuries in first-class cricket.
His selection is part of England’s current trend of valuing potential, even when a player’s record lacks extensive achievements. Bethell’s call-up follows similar selections of players like Josh Hull, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed, all chosen for their promise despite limited first-class experience.
Currently, Bethell is with the England squad in the Caribbean, where they’re set to play three ODIs and five T20Is beginning October 31. Born and raised in Barbados, Bethell moved to the UK as a teenager on a scholarship and signed his first professional contract with Warwickshire in 2021, where Ian Bell praised him as “the best 17-year-old” he’d encountered. He also stood out in the 2022 U19 World Cup, scoring an impressive 88 off 42 balls in the quarter-final.
England’s Test series in New Zealand is set to begin on November 27, with the final match of the tour wrapping up on December 13.