Bethell’s Impressive 82 Off 53 Balls in First ODI
England’s young prospect Jacob Bethell proved his IPL stint wasn’t just about experience, but about stepping up when needed. On his ODI debut against the West Indies, he smashed 82 runs off 53 balls, including five sixes, showcasing a power-packed performance. His innings helped England dominate the match, contributing significantly to their high score of 400/8. Bethell’s stunning performance, alongside his bowling spell of 1/18, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Learning from Kohli’s ‘Aura’
Bethell, just 21 years old, spent time with Virat Kohli during his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Bethell shared that playing alongside someone of Kohli’s stature was “electrifying.” He observed how Kohli’s intensity shifts as soon as he walks onto the field, describing him as a player who turns on the “switch” and leads with focus. Bethell learned a lot from his interactions with Kohli, who shared valuable advice both on and off the field, contributing to Bethell’s growth.
“I think he quite enjoys the overseas boys because we’re just pretty chill around him,” Bethell said about Kohli. “When he walks out to bat, it’s pretty electrifying to walk out with him.”
Batting Power and Confidence Against Spin
Bethell, who struggled against spin in the past, found himself making a breakthrough during this match. He took on Gudakesh Motie, a left-arm spinner, and hit him for a six, adding to his growing confidence in handling spin. Bethell’s ability to combine power with technique against different types of bowling is something he aims to improve further.
“I don’t want to give away everything,” Bethell said. “It’s just the way those batters go about playing spin. They’re clinical in how they pick length and the deliveries they try to hit for four and six.”
The IPL Influence on His Game
Bethell credits his time at the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for improving his game. The facilities, the level of competition, and consistent exposure to high-caliber bowlers made him a better player. He emphasized how the IPL experience sharpened his power game and ability to handle various types of bowling, especially spin.
“I feel like I’m a better player now than I was a couple of months ago,” Bethell said. “The practice facilities and the quality of net bowlers I faced daily at the IPL helped me improve.”
Future Focus: Test Cricket and International Career
Despite making a name for himself in limited-overs cricket, Bethell is keen to establish himself in Test cricket as well. He remains focused on performing well in the shorter formats and is not overly concerned about speculation regarding his spot in England’s Test team. His main goal for now is to cement his place in the white-ball side while keeping an eye on the five-match Test series against India next month, which leads into the winter’s Ashes.
“I tried to stay pretty clear of social media,” Bethell said, regarding the recent media speculations about his spot in the Test team. “Whatever happens, when the time comes, it’ll be fine.”
Looking Ahead: Bethell’s Role in England’s Future
Bethell’s future looks bright, with plenty of opportunities to secure his place in the England squad. He is focused on improving his all-round skills, particularly against spin, and contributing consistently for England in both ODIs and T20s. With his remarkable performance in the first ODI, he has made a strong case for his continued involvement in the team.
“I just want to enjoy my time in the sport,” Bethell reflected, “and collect memories as I go along. Cricket is all about the journey, not just the stats.”
