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South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Jacob Bethell hails Virat Kohli influence after starring role in first ODI
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.'
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Jacob Bethell hails Virat Kohli influence after starring role in first ODI
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.'
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Jacob Bethell hails Virat Kohli influence after starring role in first ODI
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.'
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Jacob Bethell hails Virat Kohli influence after starring role in first ODI
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. Jacob Bethell made 82 off 53 balls in the first ODI against the West Indies (Nick Potts/PA) 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 took inspiration from Virat Kohli, pictured, at the IPL (Adam Davy/PA) 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.'
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
England launch Harry Brook era with crushing win over West Indies
A decade on from posting a 400-plus total in ODIs for the first time in Birmingham to kick-start Eoin Morgan's revival of the limited-overs sides, England piled up 400 for eight in this Metro Bank ODI series opener despite no one reaching three figures. Brook was one of four batters to pass fifty – all of the top-seven made at least 37 – as he recorded 58 off 45 balls but Jacob Bethell stole some of his thunder by top-scoring with 82 off 53 deliveries. Brutal Bethell 🏏Five catches for Brook 🤲Carse takes a screamer 😱Full Match Highlights 👇 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 29, 2025 Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley may have quietened their critics with centuries against Zimbabwe last week but calls for Bethell to return to the Test side against India this summer are only likely to grow. This was a classy innings which included five sixes and eight fours but was also paced perfectly before the Windies were skittled for 162 in 26.2 overs as England snapped a seven-match losing run in style. Saqib Mahmood and Jamie Overton claimed three wickets apiece as a record win was in the offing when the Windies lurched to 102 for eight, but the tail wagged and England settled for their second biggest ODI victory – bettered only by the 242-run margin by which they beat Australia in 2018. Brook, who inherited an ODI side in disarray following a dreadful Champions Trophy that led to Jos Buttler's resignation as skipper in March, claimed a record-equalling five catches to complete a memorable day. It started by losing the toss but England's new-look opening pair pierced the in-field at will, with Jamie Smith showing off his range in his 37 after being dropped on one and Ben Duckett was customarily strong on the cut and pull in his 60 before both perished to outstanding catches inside the ring. Joe Root made a typically unobtrusive 57 then nicked off, while Brook took 13 singles from his first 19 balls before thrashing five fours and three sixes, including a couple of stylish whips over fine-leg. However, his uppish cut was taken well by a tumbling Keacy Carty and Buttler was also caught in the deep for 37 in his first innings back in the rank-and-file, leaving England vulnerable to a collapse with none of the top-five kicking on after getting in. Having missed the Champions Trophy because of injury and last week's Test win over Zimbabwe owing to his Indian Premier League commitments, Bethell was not so charitable in his first England innings in three months. He warmed to his task gradually before upping the ante with a mighty slog sweep for six off the underused Gudakesh Motie – the only boundary the wily slow left-armer conceded in seven tidy overs. Bethell cut loose with four sixes off the quicks in the final powerplay in an explosive 98-run stand in 44 balls alongside Will Jacks, who contributed a rapid 39, including 22 in an over off the expensive Matthew Forde. Needing 18 from the final over for a first international century, Bethell instead got a feather to Seales' wider off-cutter but England got to 400 – their sixth in ODIs – with four byes off the last ball. Any hopes the Windies had of recording their highest ODI chase appeared to rest on captain Shai Hope anchoring the innings but his pull off Mahmood's bouncer led to a stunning catch from Brydon Carse over his head, reminiscent of Ben Stokes' unforgettable leaping grab in England's 2019 World Cup opener. Hope's departure for 25 gave the bustling Mahmood his third wicket, having had Justin Greaves and Carty caught at mid-off by Brook, who dived to take a sharp chance off 18-year-old Jewel Andrew. Brook took a couple more before Motie and Seales hit out down the order as the Windies avoided their heaviest defeat. England, though, sealed a commanding victory when Adil Rashid castled Alzarri Joseph.
