Jacob Bethell hails Virat Kohli influence after starring role in first ODI

South Wales Guardian

2 days ago

A perfectly-paced 82 off 53 balls on his home ground at Edgbaston was the standout of England's 400 for eight in a 238-run demolition of the West Indies on Thursday.
The Metro Bank one-day series opener was Bethell's first England outing in three months as an injury to his left hamstring sidelined him for the Champions Trophy and his IPL commitments meant he missed last week's Test win over Zimbabwe.
Bethell might have featured just twice for Royal Challengers Bangalore but he feels emboldened by the experience, having opened the batting both times with India superstar Kohli, who recently retired from Test duty.
'I can't think of a specific thing he said to me that I was like 'that's what I'm going to remember', but it was just an accumulation over the couple of months of chatting to him,' Bethell said.
'I think he quite enjoys the overseas boys because we're pretty chill around him, but he's definitely got whatever they say nowadays: 'aura'. It was pretty electrifying to walk out with him. He's got a certain intensity, he flips that switch on as soon as he crosses that line.
'It was just nice to speak to him off and on the field, away from cricket. It was cool to experience someone of his calibre and how he goes about doing things.
'(The IPL) was a great experience and I've definitely taken a lot for my game. I feel like I'm a better player now than I was a couple of months ago.'
Bethell being at the IPL spared England having to choose between him and Ollie Pope at number three against Zimbabwe but the issue remains on the table for India's forthcoming visit.
There were no discussions around returning early to put himself in contention at Trent Bridge, where Pope quietened his critics with a fine 171 to earn captain Ben Stokes' backing.
The absent Bethell was unwittingly the centre of attention as Stokes hinted the 21-year-old would return for the first Test against India at Headingley on June 20 – only to clarify he meant a comeback into the squad was more likely, hitting out at an 'agenda' against Pope.
Bethell, who impressed in his debut Test series in New Zealand last December, was oblivious to the furore as he steers clear of social media.
'I was pretty far away to be honest,' Bethell said. 'I didn't really hear a lot of it until one of my friends messaged me and said the whole thing was going on, but I haven't really followed it.'
Jacob Bethel is some talent .. Do not be surprised if he walks out at No 3 in the Test series versus India .. 👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 29, 2025
Ashes 2005-winning captain Michael Vaughan said on X 'do not be surprised' if England plump for Bethell in the blockbuster five-match series against India following his star turn in Birmingham.
Bethell, though, is only focusing on Sunday's second ODI in Cardiff, where England could wrap up a first 50-over series win since just before the 2023 World Cup.
'Whatever happens, it will be, and when the time comes, it'll be fine,' Bethell added.
'I'm still trying to cement my place in this one-day side and the T20 side. If I get a chance in that Test side, I'll be looking to do the same. I'm just taking it game by game.'