Bethell sets his sights on Ashes after maiden ODI Hundred which was crucial in England setting up a mammoth total.
Jacob Bethell has overcome a personal milestone in getting to his maiden ODI Hundred. However, it is still the upcoming Ashes that he has his sights on.
His century yesterday not only made him the second-youngest Englishman to make an ODI century, but also rubber-stamped his limitless talent and potential that saw him fast-tracked to the national side at such a young age. It is worth noting that Bethell does not turn 22 until next month.
In his short time with the national side in all formats, Bethell has gone about his business efficiently. His debut Test series in New Zealand saw him perform well, enough to put huge pressure on Ollie Pope and his spot at Number 3.
Bethell’s ODI Hundred
After defeating South Africa’s spinners at Lord’s on Thursday, where he scored 58 off 40 balls, Bethell was moved up from No. 6 to No. 4 and kept in the same position in Southampton. In a third-wicket stand with Joe Root, he dominated the scoring with 110 from 82. He celebrated reaching three figures with a cover drive off Nandre Burger.
“It’s obviously nearing,” Bethell said. “I’m hoping to be in the squad and if I’m in the squad, it’s only one thing that has to happen – in terms of an injury or something like that – and I’m in, and I’ve got to be ready to perform. I don’t know if these runs mean anything [towards selection] but I don’t think they can hurt. If the opportunity arises, I’ll hopefully be there to take it.”
“It was pretty special,” Bethell said. “Just goosebumps, to be honest. As soon as I laced it in the gap – it couldn’t have hit more the middle of my bat – and it just raced to the boundary. I didn’t really know what I did. It was a bit of a blur to be honest, but it was a great feeling… It was unbelievable. Feels like an addictive feeling, so hopefully there’s a few more of them to come.”
Will Number 4 be his permanent position?
Despite his innings from Number 4, it seems highly unlikely that Bethell will play in that position for the foreseeable future, given that is the skipper Harry Brook’s preferred position.
Bethell himself is aware of the fact and has played down his long-term aims for that role, although he did mention that he will be up for playing there if and when the teams wants him to.
“I like coming in and facing spin to start. Feel like if I can get going, especially with the one [extra] fielder up, there’s always a gap to hit… I don’t think Brooky will be stepping down from No. 4 anytime soon, so I’ll just be looking to do that whenever the opportunity arises.”