Jacob Bethell Set for International Debut

Jacob Bethell is poised to make his international debut on Monday as England prepares to announce their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. This marks a significant shift away from the seasoned players who once led England to their dual World Cup victories.

Among the senior players whose spots are at risk is vice-captain Moeen Ali, who played pivotal roles in England's 2019 ODI World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup triumphs. Jonny Bairstow, a crucial figure in the 2019 win but sidelined by injury for the 2022 victory, is also under scrutiny following subpar performances in both last year’s ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in June. Age is a factor working against them, with Moeen at 37 and Bairstow turning 35 next month.

Liam Livingstone’s place is also uncertain, although he is more likely to secure a spot in the T20 squad than in the ODIs.

A key decision revolves around Joe Root. England moved on from Root in T20 cricket back in 2019, yet he has maintained a strong presence in the ODI lineup, boasting an impressive average of 47.6 with a strike rate of 87. However, with Root now 33 and England set to play another eight Test matches this year, the ODI series against Australia could provide a rare opportunity for him to rest. Nonetheless, these five ODIs are a crucial part of England’s preparation for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February, where they aim to redeem themselves after disappointing performances in the last two global tournaments.

In addition to Bethell, a 20-year-old batting all-rounder from Warwickshire, Saqib Mahmood could also make an appearance. Mahmood, who played two Tests in 2022, has spent much of the time since recovering from injury but made a strong comeback as the player of the match in Oval Invincibles’ victory in the Hundred final earlier this month. Jofra Archer, who participated in England’s T20 World Cup campaign, will also be included in the squad, although he is not yet fit for Test cricket.

This series will be the first under interim coach Marcus Trescothick, following the dismissal of Matthew Mott. Trescothick, who is in the running for the permanent white-ball coaching position, will have a significant opportunity to solidify his candidacy if England performs well against Australia. The T20 series kicks off on September 11, just a day after the final Test against Sri Lanka concludes at the Oval, followed by five ODIs.

The packed schedule is likely to limit the availability of multi-format players for the T20 series. Players like Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and uncapped Jamie Smith would be likely contenders for the T20 squad if available.

Andrew Flintoff will not be part of England’s coaching team for the Australia series, as first reported by Telegraph Sport. Instead, Trescothick will lead a newly assembled coaching staff. He will continue his role as assistant coach with the Test side until the early stages of the third Test against Sri Lanka before shifting his focus to the white-ball format.

After missing The Hundred due to a calf injury, captain Jos Buttler is expected to make his return for Lancashire in their T20 Blast quarter-final against Sussex on September 4.

Bethell, who grew up in Barbados, is known for his explosive batting from the No. 6 position. In Barbados, he has spent time learning from the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, who once played alongside his grandfather. Bethell recently shared with Telegraph Sport that he admires the flair in Sobers’ game and tries to emulate it, adding that his ultimate dream is to play Test cricket for England.