Bethell gets a two year England central contract. We won't see much of him in a Bears shirt now.
Bethell gets a two year England central contract. We won't see much of him in a Bears shirt now.
I think if we ever see him in the summer now comes down to whether that test number three slot is his. Personally I'm not sure (yet) that it is though this central contract and a Guardo column by Mark Ramprakash saying it is hint to the fact he might get a good run there.
Stokes said yesterday that Smith will come back in with Pope going up to three:
Pope has reiterated his preference for batting at number three and Stokes said England will revert to type when Smith is back in the summer.
"We will no doubt see Pope back up to three and Smudge back into his role," said Stokes. "Last week we had a problem and we found a solution to it. We have looked back at that game and the whole team set-up looked really good."
One positive of Bethell getting a central contract is that it means another salary saving to go into our recruitment pot.
96
Watched him up until lunch, he was on 34. Looked absolutely sublime to be honest.
I'm still not convinced that Stokes and McCullum are geniuses in selection but one area where they seem to be exceptional is in instilling self belief in the players they choose. That, clearly, goes a long way.
UrsaMinor wrote:
I'm still not convinced that Stokes and McCullum are geniuses in selection but one area where they seem to be exceptional is in instilling self belief in the players they choose. That, clearly, goes a long way.
I think their 50% w/l record in the last 12 months is a much better indicator of their likely long term success rate than the initial gaudy stats of the first 12-18 months would suggest, I personally think there is quite a strong element of the Kings New Clothes to 'B**ball' and especially Stokes as a cricketer.
but as you say, they definitely get at least one thing very right and indeed it does go a long way.
Nice to see Jacob score 55 off 33 balls for RCB in the IPL. He and Virat Kohli put on a stand of 97. RCB won by 2 runs. Good to see Jacob mixing with the best! It can only help him develop....
The IPL has been suspended and the English players are flying home. We might yet get to see Bethell in a Bears shirt this season.
I notice the IPL is back on again and Jacob's team are top of the table. I guess that means he's going back. Any thoughts in when he gets back what he's going to focus on? I presume a lot of Blast with a view to England white ball seeing as he's barely played in the IPL. Is there a run of red ball ahead of the England v India test series?
The Standard says:
"The restarted IPL is due to conclude on June 3, while Harry Brook's first assignment as England captain features games on May 29, June 1 and June 3. The situation has put the England and Wales Cricket Board in a difficult position, torn between supporting its Indian counterparts at a sensitive time, allowing its players to fulfil their contracts and maintaining the integrity of its own international product. For now, at least, they have kicked that decision down the road and will continue to mull the situation over.
Buttler's Gujarat Titans squad top the current IPL table, meaning he is highly likely to be at the centre of the dilemma, while the recalled Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians) and Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) could also find themselves in the same situation.
The other two IPL players who have been selected to face the Windies, Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton, are with teams who cannot reach the finals."
The Club seem confident that he will be playing for England at Edgbaston:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bethell-set-to-play-for-england-at-edgbaston/
Indeed, saw that Wisden had him down for both the England white ball teams. In days gone by you would just assume the international games take priority - these days still not sure if the IPL takes precedence or not...
GerryShedd wrote:
The Club seem confident that he will be playing for England at Edgbaston:
https://edgbaston.com/news/bethell-set-to-play-for-england-at-edgbaston/
Jacob isn't in the RCB team in today's IPL match? Is he in India or the UK?
"ESPNcricinfo has learned that Bethell will ..... fly home before their final group match in Lucknow and report to Birmingham ahead of the first ODI at Edgbaston."
Named in the XI to play the first ODI against WI tomorrow.
Not expecting to see much of him for us for quite some time! Saw him up at York in 2021 and he looked hugely promising then, our loss, very much England's gain.
Is he on a central contract? If not he soon will be.
Yes, a 2 year contract.