Thu Nov 28 03:27:59 UTC 2024: ## Young Cricketer Jacob Bethell’s Meteoric Rise Continues with Test Debut
**London, November 26, 2024** – Jacob Bethell, the young English cricketer who recently made headlines with his IPL contract, is set for another major milestone in his burgeoning career: a Test debut against New Zealand.
Just days after being signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹2.6 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Bethell has been named in England’s playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand, starting November 28th in Christchurch. The 21-year-old left-handed all-rounder will bat at number three, a significant promotion considering his limited first-class experience. His inclusion comes at the expense of regular number three batsman Ollie Pope, who will keep wicket due to an injury to Jordan Cox.
Bethell’s rapid ascent is remarkable. He only made his T20 and ODI debuts in September. While his first-class record isn’t extensive (738 runs and 7 wickets in 20 matches for Warwickshire), his recent performances, including a respectable showing in the Hundred league, have clearly impressed selectors. In eight ODIs, he’s scored 167 runs including a half-century, and he’s also taken four wickets in the format. His seven T20 appearances yielded 173 runs, including two half-centuries.
England’s team for the first Test against New Zealand includes three fast bowlers (Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse) and one spinner (Shoaib Bashir). The full playing XI is: Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Shoaib Bashir.
The news of Bethell’s selection has generated considerable excitement, highlighting the selectors’ faith in his potential and the thrilling trajectory of his young career.
First Piper 