Jacob Bethell admitted his England Test debut was “everything I’ve dreamed of” as he notched up a half-century to lead the tourist to an eight-wicket haul over New Zealand in Christchurch.
Bethel’s debut came at short notice when wicketkeeper Jordan Cox suffered a finger injury that ruled him out and forced a reshuffle that saw Ollie Pope take the gloves and Bethel moved up to No.3 for his Test bow.
It’s a position the 21-year-old has never played before, but after 10 in a row in difficult conditions in the first innings, he impressed as he smashed eight fours and a six in a 37-ball fifty to lead England’s chase of 104.
“It was a hell of a lot of fun,” Bethel said ahead of the second Test of the three-match series in Wellington on Friday. “Getting away with Joe Root at the end was special.
Jacob Bethel walks off the field in Christchurch with Joe Root after his debut half-century guided England to victory over New Zealand.
“Honestly, it’s all I’ve dreamed about. Ever since I was little, I’ve always dreamed of playing Test cricket, I remember watching the Ashes and any Tests in England on TV and wanting to be a part of it. .
“Since Buzz (Brendon McCullum) and Stokes have taken over, I’ve always watched it on TV and said: “How fun does that sound?” and it lived up to expectations, whether we were talking to each other in the cabins, batting, bowling, it was good fun.
“It was my first experience playing with packed grass, a clean pitch, good pitches and playing against a good New Zealand team. It was great.”
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Bethel added: “I like to knock down the order, so I was really happy that the opportunity came up.
“Maybe it was a surprise, but I’d like to be honest. I’ve always wanted to finish in the top four, so three is perfect.
“Every time I’ve played against better people, I’ve played better at a higher level.
Jacob Bethel’s second innings 50 not out from 37 balls on debut that featured eight fours and a six
“I played better in the hundred, I played better in the internationals. I really had no doubt that when I played in Test cricket, I would do well.”
The new experiences will continue for Bethel, who made his ODI, T20 and Test debuts in less than three months.He was snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for just under £250,000 in the latest Indian Premier League auction, joining England’s Liam Livingstone and Phil Salty in their books.
RCB’s biggest name Virat Kohli and Bethel are already excited about linking up with one of the A-list stars of the global game.
“It’s a given, isn’t it, Virat, he’s a big game, King Kohli,” he said.
“I think it will do a lot for me. Any young overseas player who has gone there will come back with a wealth of experience. Going and being around the likes of Virat, my game will stand up well.”
