Bethell Reflects on Surprising No.3 Batting Role: A Dream Come True
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Christchurch, Dec 2 (NationPress) After scoring an unbeaten 50 runs off 37 deliveries, which included striking the winning runs during England's 8-wicket triumph over New Zealand in the first Test, batter Jacob Bethell mentioned that he would have requested to bat at No.3 on his debut had he not been pleasantly surprised by the team management's decision.
“No. I mean maybe a surprise (on one level), but I would have asked for it to be honest. I like batting up the order. So yeah, I was really happy that the opportunity arose. It was everything I dreamed of. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always dreamed of playing Test cricket.”
“I’ve always wanted to bat in the top 4 so three is perfect. I think my game is fit to play any style. We saw a bit more of an attacking style (in the second innings), but I can also absorb a bit of pressure. I’m sure at times in my career there will be times to do that as well.”
“I remember watching the 2010/11 Ashes and wanting to be a part of it. Since Baz (Brendon McCullum) took over, I’ve watched on TV and thought, ‘How fun does that look?’ and it lived up to the expectation,” Bethell told reporters.
When asked if he had any doubts about succeeding in Tests after his white-ball debuts in September, Bethell responded, “Not at all really. Pretty much every time I’ve played against better people, I’ve played better. The step up to The Hundred? Played better. Straight into internationals? Played better. I didn’t really doubt in my mind that coming into Test cricket I’d have done well.”
“No matter if we were in the sheds talking with each other, batting, bowling, fielding it was good fun. It was my first experience playing in front of packed grass banks, pristine outfields, and good pitches while competing against a strong team, so it was great.”
Bethell concluded by expressing his enthusiasm about being signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, where he will have the chance to play alongside the legendary Virat Kohli.
“I think it will do a lot for me. It’s a bit of a given, isn’t it!? Virat Kohli. He’s a great of the game - King Kohli. Any young overseas player who has gone over has come back with a wealth of experience.”
