England in New Zealand: Jacob Bethell slamming door means decision is coming
This is the man who arrived on an electric scooter for its test debut in Christchurch. With bleached hair, flushed cheeks and turned up collar, he is absolutely at home in his surroundings.
“Almost every time I’ve played against better people, I’ve played better,” Bethel said after Christchurch. “Step up to the Hundred, played better. Straight into international matches, played better. Coming into Test cricket I really had no doubt in my mind that I would have done well.”
How’s that for confidence?
Before we get into the details of his 100 Test caps, Root’s run-scoring record and knighthood, there are a few caveats.
Bethel’s 50 from 37 balls in Christchurch and 96 in Wellington were both scored in low-pressure conditions. Last week on Saturday, there was freedom for a modest run chase with a lead of 155 runs in the first innings.
He performed well in the first innings of both Test matches, particularly in difficult conditions in Christchurch, then was out. There was an innocence to his dismissal in Wellington. Nathan Smith telegraphed a short ball out of deep square leg, yet Bethel took the pull and was caught down the leg side.
If this sounds like an impression of the Grinch, it’s not meant to be. Bethell’s Wellington innings was amazing, a complete confirmation of England’s belief and proof that they belong at this level.
Brief, cool and to the point, Bethel’s set-up has a hint of Andrew Strauss. This is the stance, walking across the crease and turning the front knee towards the ball. This is where the comparisons end. Strauss would have killed for the range of Bethel’s strokes.
