[CRK]
The Ambition for No. 3: Jacob Bethell’s Test Aspirations
In the volatile world of international cricket, securing a permanent spot in the batting order is the ultimate goal for any emerging talent. For Jacob Bethell, that goal is crystal clear: he wants to be England’s definitive number three in the Test arena. Following a standout winter that has seen him emerge as a primary choice across multiple formats, Bethell is now looking ahead to the crucial Test series against New Zealand, starting June 4 at Lord’s.
Bethell’s confidence is not unfounded. His recent performances, highlighted by a brilliant maiden century at the SCG in January, have proven that he possesses the temperament and technique required for the longest format of the game. However, the fluidity of England’s current selection strategy means his role could potentially shift. There has been significant chatter regarding a move up the order to open the batting—a shuffle that would allow England to integrate James Rew into the middle order, particularly if the team decides to move on from Zak Crawley.
Flexibility vs. Preference: The Joe Root Analogy
Speaking on the Sky Cricket podcast, Bethell acknowledged that he is a team player, willing to adapt his role for the greater good of the squad. He drew a parallel to the legendary Joe Root, who famously opened the batting during the 2013 Ashes to allow England to balance their side with Jonny Bairstow in the middle order. Bethell noted that Root eventually slid back to number four, suggesting that a temporary move to the top could be a stepping stone rather than a permanent relocation.
Despite this flexibility, Bethell was candid about his preferences. “I’d love to stay at No. 3, if it was up to me. I really like the position,” Bethell stated. He believes the difference between opening and batting at three is marginal, but his heart remains set on cementing the No. 3 berth as his own.
Defending the IPL Decision Amid Criticism
While his Test ambitions are clear, Bethell’s current location has become a point of contention. Currently under contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 2.6 crore (approximately £205,000), Bethell has yet to feature in a match this season. With Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazlewood occupying the overseas slots, Bethell has spent more time in the dugout than in the middle.
This lack of game time has drawn the ire of some cricket veterans, most notably Alastair Cook. The former England captain suggested that Bethell should have opted for the rigors of the County Championship with Warwickshire rather than “sitting on his arse” in India. However, Bethell strongly disagrees with the notion that his time in the IPL is wasted.
The Intangibles of the IPL Environment
Bethell argues that the benefits of being immersed in the IPL ecosystem far outweigh the raw statistics of time spent in the middle. For him, the value lies in the mental fortitude developed under extreme scrutiny.
- Constant Observation: Every nets session is a trial, with coaches and world-class teammates assessing every shot.
- Public Pressure: The presence of crowds with phones recording every movement creates a high-stakes environment that mimics international pressure.
- Standard of Competition: Training alongside some of the best players in the world elevates a player’s overall game.
Bethell reflected on his previous experience, noting that he felt “undercooked” during the latter part of an India series last year due to a lack of cricket. Conversely, he recalled how he was “flying” heading into a West Indies white-ball series after a stint in the IPL. He believes the intensity of the Indian circuit has left him in a better position now than he was following the T20 World Cup.
Preparing for the Red Ball: The Dukes Connection
Aware that the transition from white-ball T20s to Test cricket can be jarring, Bethell is taking proactive steps to ensure his red-ball skills do not rust. In a move that highlights his dedication, he revealed that he has arranged for a shipment of Dukes balls—the standard ball used in English Test cricket—to be sent to him in India.
“My Dukes balls are actually arriving tomorrow,” Bethell shared. He plans to ramp up his red-ball training alongside his white-ball duties for the remainder of the IPL. This strategic approach allows him to benefit from the prestige and pressure of the IPL while maintaining the technical requirements of the Test game.
The Pecking Order at RCB
The competition for places at RCB is fierce, and Bethell is not the only England player waiting for a breakthrough; Jordan Cox has also seen limited opportunities. However, Bethell hinted that he believes he is the next man in line. He views the current situation as an opportunity to refine his game in the nets, stating, “The beauty of being [the] next batter in line is you get just as much time in the nets as everyone else.”
As the IPL draws to a close—ending just four days before the first Test against New Zealand—Bethell remains steadfast in his belief that his journey through India is the correct path. Whether he starts at the top of the order or in his preferred No. 3 spot, Jacob Bethell is arriving at Lord’s with a mindset forged in the highest pressure cooker of world cricket.
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