Jacob Bethell Defends Missing Zimbabwe Test for IPL as Pope Steals Lead
Jacob Bethell defends his decision to stay in the IPL instead of returning for the Zimbabwe Test, emphasizing the valuable experience he gained from playing alongside Virat Kohli. His absence allowed Ollie Pope to score 171 runs, adding pressure to the race for the No. 3 position. Upon returning, Bethell shined in an ODI against the West Indies, indicating his growth as a player despite the intense competition.
Jacob Bethell, the young cricketer, is defending his decision to stay in India for the IPL instead of returning home for the Test match against Zimbabwe. The 21-year-old felt that being part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru was a valuable learning opportunity, particularly as he had the chance to learn from cricket legend Virat Kohli for two months. Bethell notably played at No. 3 for England during their Test series against New Zealand but chose to prioritize his IPL career instead.
In his absence from the Zimbabwe Test at Trent Bridge, Ollie Pope performed exceptionally well, scoring 171 runs, which strengthens his case for the No. 3 batting position ahead of the upcoming series against India. Bethell reflected on his time with Kohli, stating that the experience was worth missing the Test, saying, “It’s pretty electrifying to walk out to bat with Virat. He has an aura.” He emphasized the benefits of competing against high-quality bowlers and engaging in consistent training.
The Warwickshire native also mentioned that his two-month stint has transformed him as a player. He noted, “I feel like I’m a better player now than I was a couple of months ago.” Upon returning to England, Bethell made an immediate impact in an ODI against the West Indies, scoring 82 runs off just 53 balls in a dramatic 238-run victory.
With the competition for the No. 3 spot heating up, Bethell remains aware of the speculations surrounding his place in the team. England’s captain, Ben Stokes, had made comments ahead of the Zimbabwe match suggesting that Bethell would return for the India series regardless of others’ performances. Later clarifying, Stokes indicated he was referring to the squad rather than a guarantee of specific players.
Bethell acknowledged he was not closely following the developments from England while he was in India. He mentioned, “Not being in England, I didn’t really hear a lot of it until one of my friends messaged me.” He added, “Whatever happens, happens.” With the selection for the India series looming, Bethell’s focus remains on improving his game and adapting to the challenges that lie ahead.
Jacob Bethell’s decision to remain in the IPL rather than return for the Zimbabwe Test is yielding positive outcomes, not just for his experience but also for his performance upon his return to England. Although Ollie Pope has made a strong case for the No. 3 spot with his excellent performance, Bethell’s time with cricketing great Virat Kohli and subsequent strong ODI performance suggests he has only improved as a player. The competition for places in the team remains fierce as England prepares for their series against India.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
