Ollie Pope Faces Threat from Jacob Bethell
The upcoming series will be a major test for Bethell, who will be looking to build on his impressive debut and secure a place in the England team. With the support of Stokes and McCullum, Bethell has the opportunity to make a significant impact and potentially change the dynamics of the England Test squad.
Jacob Bethell, the 21-year-old all-rounder from Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is set to pose a significant challenge to established top-order players in the England Test squad, including Ollie Pope, as he prepares to face India in a five-match Test series in England.
Bethell has already made a notable impression in the IPL, scoring 67 runs in two games, including a whirlwind fifty, and has also performed well in England's tour of New Zealand, scoring 260 runs in six innings and taking three wickets. His red-ball debut has been particularly impressive, with half-centuries in each of the three Tests, earning him praise from Ben Stokes, who hints that Bethell will return to the England team for the series against India.
The potential return of Bethell to the England team could come at the expense of either Zak Crawley or Ollie Pope, both of whom have had middling returns from their England careers. While Crawley's inconsistency has been excused by England, Pope is vulnerable despite being confirmed as vice-captain. The decision to drop Pope would be significant, given his adaptability and key role in the team, but Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have shown a willingness to make big calls and invest in youth.
As the series against India approaches, all eyes will be on Bethell to see if he can establish himself in the England Test squad and put pressure on the established top-order players. With his impressive performances in the IPL and England's tour of New Zealand, Bethell has the potential to outstrip both Crawley and Pope, and his return could give England a new option for their top order.