Jacob Bethell to Make Test Debut at Number Three Against New Zealand; Ollie Pope Assumes Wicketkeeping Duties

Jacob Bethell to Make Test Debut at Number Three Against New Zealand as Ollie Pope Takes on Wicketkeeping Duties in Christchurch Test

England has announced its lineup for the opening Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, starting Thursday. Among the notable updates, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell will make his Test debut, stepping in to bat at number three. This is the unexpected opportunity for Bethell when a training injury ruled regular wicketkeeper Jordan Cox out of action with a broken right thumb.

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Usually, England’s number three man will sport the wicketkeeping gloves on this occasion-with Cox missing out. It tucks Pope down the batting order to number six with Ben Stokes set to bat next in at number seven. That this may suit Bethell is that the reshuffled order means there’s a prime spot. Altogether, Bethell is rather less tested at this level. Despite his limited exposure, Bethell’s latest international white-ball cricket presentation against Australia and the West Indies has thrust him into the limelight as a young talent. In fact, Bethell has never batted higher than number four in first-class cricket, where his average is a modest 25.44.

Joe Root will continue at number four and did not relinquish his position even after he played very sensibly at number three in the first Test for England against Pakistan early last month, scoring 262 runs. With the country hosting New Zealand for a three-match Test series on the Hagley Oval pitch known for seam-friendly green wickets, Root’s middle-order solidity as well as leadership will come in handy.

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The English pace attack for the match will consist of Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and captain Ben Stokes, supplemented by the sole spinner, Shoaib Bashir.

New Zealand, on the other hand, hasn’t released the final playing eleven yet. But with Kane Williamson’s back in the fray, the hosts would be indeed sturdier. The veteran bat had missed the just-concluded 3-0 whitewash of the Test series against India but gives New Zealand a long-standing hope with stability and batting strength. New Zealand will look to exploit the conditions in their home turf with a balance of Tim Southee and a few bright talents like Rachin Ravindra.

All eyes will be on Jacob Bethell as he faces the challenge of a Test debut in a pivot batting position as the match unfolds. England’s tactical changes combined with the strength of this New Zealand side promise an exciting contest at Hagley Oval.

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