Jacob Bethell’s rise in the cricket world has been nothing short of electrifying, and his recent performances for England in New Zealand have thrown him into the spotlight as a potential future star. At just 21 years old, Bethell’s journey to the Test squad has been filled with twists and turns, making his situation feel like a real-life “sliding doors” moment—a split-second change that could reshape his career.
Sport is no stranger to such moments—Glenn McGrath’s fateful mishap in 2005, the sudden rise of Denmark’s football team in the 1992 Euros, or even Richard Williams watching a tennis match on TV and deciding his daughters, Venus and Serena, would conquer the sport. For Bethell, it all began with an unexpected injury to Jordan Cox, leaving a vacancy in the England squad. Few could have predicted that the young, untested player would seize the opportunity with such grace and power. No centuries in first-class cricket, yet Bethell found himself playing Test cricket for England, a decision that initially raised eyebrows. But now, after his stunning 96 in Wellington, that question has swiftly morphed into, “How could they possibly drop him?”
Bethell’s entry into the international scene is underscored by a rich backstory that blends cricketing pedigree with an undeniable flair. Born in Barbados, he came to England with cricket legends like Brian Lara and Sir Garfield Sobers already singing his praises. His father, Graham, played club cricket alongside Joe Root’s dad, further cementing the connection between Bethell and England’s cricketing elite. But beyond his lineage and reputation, Bethell has quickly established himself as a player who is entirely comfortable in his own skin. His Test debut was marked by an unconventional entrance on an electric scooter, his bleached hair and zinc smeared across his cheeks, exuding a personality as bold and vibrant as his batting.
When discussing his meteoric rise, Bethell exudes confidence, saying, “Pretty much every time I’ve played against better people, I’ve played better.” Whether it was the Hundred or his swift transition to international cricket, Bethell has thrived under pressure, and his early performances show he is ready for the challenge of Test cricket.
However, while his 37-ball 50 in Christchurch and his 96 in Wellington were impressive, both innings came in relatively comfortable situations. In Christchurch, the run chase was modest, and in Wellington, England had a substantial first-innings lead, providing Bethell with a cushion. Though his dismissals in both innings were not flawless—particularly his ill-fated pull shot in Wellington—the overall impression of his batting remains overwhelmingly positive. His technique is compact, calm, and controlled, but it’s his flair and range of strokes, especially the cuts and pulls that oozed Caribbean style, which have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike.
Bethell’s place in England’s cricketing future has quickly garnered attention, especially after his knock of 96 in Wellington. To put this in perspective, Bethell’s score is the highest made by an England player under the age of 22 since Denis Compton’s 120 against the West Indies in 1939. Other legendary figures, including Len Hutton, Alastair Cook, and David Gower, have all had significant contributions at such a young age, making Bethell’s achievements all the more remarkable. However, there is a cautionary tale in the form of players like Sam Curran and Haseeb Hameed, whose early promise did not translate into sustained success. Time will tell if Bethell can avoid the same fate.
England’s next move with Bethell will be crucial. He is set to feature in the third Test in Hamilton, but the bigger question looms—what happens after that? England has always been known for its loyalty to established players, but they are also ruthless when it comes to selection. Ben Stokes has already stated that Jamie Smith will return to the team next summer, with Ollie Pope set to reclaim his number-three spot. That could leave Bethell on the sidelines. However, the decision feels somewhat premature. Bethell’s performances have shown that he has the temperament and talent to thrive in the role. Pope, despite his solid contributions, has looked more comfortable at number six, and Zak Crawley’s recent struggles have only added to the uncertainty surrounding England’s top order.
The idea of a player’s “ceiling” is something Stokes and Brendon McCullum often speak of when discussing talent, and both Crawley and Pope seem to have hit theirs. While they have had decent careers, their averages suggest that they might not push their performances much higher. Bethell, on the other hand, has shown in his brief appearances that his potential is vast. His rise has been rapid, and his composure at the crease speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and improve.
Now, with two strong innings under his belt, Bethell stands at a crucial juncture in his career. The England selectors face a significant dilemma: do they remain loyal to players like Pope and Crawley, or do they make the bold decision to build their future around a young player with enormous potential?
Bethell’s sliding doors moment has arrived, and England’s selectors are now at the crossroads. They must decide if they want to embrace a new generation of talent and give Bethell the chance to continue his meteoric rise. After all, moments like this come around only once in a while, and the opportunity to capitalize on Bethell’s undeniable promise may not last forever.
