Calm swashbuckler Bethell's Test selection may prove inspired, but Key still has to be canny
The Guardian|December 04, 2024
Nearly six years ago the 15-year-old Jacob Bethell was given the Gray Nicolls Young Cricketer of the Year award and I sat next to him at lunch after the presentation.
Mark Ramprakash
Calm swashbuckler Bethell's Test selection may prove inspired, but Key still has to be canny

I have been aware of his background and looked out for his name since then, though I did not have a good look at him in action until he exploded onto the scene over the past 18 months, culminating in his Test debut last week.

I really like the way he sets up: he looks pretty side-on, seems to have good orthodox basics, presents the full face of the bat, moves forward and back. He scored 10 in his first Test innings but his mentality was right: there was no panic, he gave himself the chance to have a look, and did not seem flustered when he was faced with a string of balls he could not score off.

I and many others have often described Ollie Pope, who normally bats at No 3 for England, as looking a bit frenetic early in his innings, and you could argue that Bethell, at 21 and at his first attempt, looked much more composed.

This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 04, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
The Guardian

Free to air TV deal to broadcast Chelsea and City's Club World Cup

The streaming platform DAZN has agreed a worldwide deal to broadcast Fifa's controversial Club World Cup free to air.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 05, 2024
The Guardian

Disappointment as United snub rainbow jackets

Rainbow Devils fans' group regrets actions of one player led to scheme being scrapped

time-read
2 mins  |
December 05, 2024
Lopetegui future in doubt with decision likely by weekend
The Guardian

Lopetegui future in doubt with decision likely by weekend

West Ham board considering if beleaguered manager will be in charge for Wolves match

time-read
3 mins  |
December 05, 2024
Postecoglou: Spurs must boost attack in transfer window
The Guardian

Postecoglou: Spurs must boost attack in transfer window

'There's no doubt we need some bolstering in that front third'

time-read
2 mins  |
December 05, 2024
Wiegman offers praise for 'improving' Clinton
The Guardian

Wiegman offers praise for 'improving' Clinton

The 21-year-old midfielder extends scoring form with winner against Switzerland

time-read
2 mins  |
December 05, 2024
Pidcock to leave Ineos Grenadiers
The Guardian

Pidcock to leave Ineos Grenadiers

The Olympic mountain bike champion Tom Pidcock is leaving Ineos Grenadiers by mutual consent.

time-read
1 min  |
December 05, 2024
Wolvaardt turns the screw in six-wicket England defeat
The Guardian

Wolvaardt turns the screw in six-wicket England defeat

England suffered a six-wicket defeat in the first ODI against South Africa as the Proteas captain, Laura Wolvaardt, made an unbeaten 59 for the hosts.

time-read
1 min  |
December 05, 2024
Stokes demands answers from ICC after over-rate sanctions
The Guardian

Stokes demands answers from ICC after over-rate sanctions

England captain claims governing body has yet to address his concerns

time-read
4 mins  |
December 05, 2024
The Guardian

More trouble for General Motors in China after 2018 peak

General Motors told shareholders on Wednesday that it would write down the value of its China business by more than $5bn.

time-read
1 min  |
December 05, 2024
UK interest rates to fall more slowly than expected after budget, claims report
The Guardian

UK interest rates to fall more slowly than expected after budget, claims report

UK interest rates will fall by less than expected over the next two years after Rachel Reeves revealed significant spending and borrowing plans in the budget, according to an influential report.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 05, 2024