Can Jacob Bethell Replace Ollie Pope as England's No. 3?

New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) Dinesh Karthik has expressed strong support for Jacob Bethell to step into the vital No. 3 position in England's Test batting order, taking over from Ollie Pope. Karthik labeled the young batsman as “the next big star to keep an eye on” in English cricket.

In a discussion on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast broadcast from Lord's, Karthik highlighted Bethell's adaptability, eagerness, and maturity, indicating that he could be the long-term answer for England’s top-order batting.

“I admit I am a bit biased; I would select him (Bethell) to bat at No. 3,” Karthik stated. As the current batting coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Bethell’s IPL team, he mentioned, “At this moment, I would prefer him over Ollie Pope, although it's worth noting that Pope scored a century in the previous match.”

Despite his century in the series opener, Pope's inconsistency remains a concern. He recorded only eight runs in Headingley's second innings, followed by a golden duck and a challenging 24 at Edgbaston, contributing to England's significant 336-run defeat.

Karthik believes that Bethell's versatility makes him a prominent contender. “Bethell can bat anywhere from No. 3 to No. 7; he is ready. We drafted him in the IPL with the flexibility to open, bat at three, or play in the middle order,” he explained.

“What impressed me most was his capacity to absorb information and swiftly apply it to his game. He is young, highly motivated, and above all, deeply committed to his sport. His singular focus on becoming the best is commendable—having such a goal is a solid path to success,” he added.

While the spotlight is on Bethell's potential, England’s captain Ben Stokes is under increasing scrutiny. After a controversial decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah backfired for India in the first Test, India’s captain Shubman Gill responded with impressive scores of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, leading to a historic win.

This has escalated the pressure on Stokes, who has yet to make a significant batting contribution in the series.

“Now Stokes must focus on scoring runs; let's be honest,” remarked Nasser Hussain. “The opposing captain is racking up runs, while Stokes' scoring has dwindled. He is facing some pressure,” he noted.

Nonetheless, Hussain acknowledged Stokes’ leadership qualities and emotional intelligence. “England players appreciate playing for Ben Stokes, but he also has a tough side. I once asked Jurgen Klopp what leadership means, and he said it’s about being their friend, but not their best friend. I believe Stokes embodies that,” he concluded.