The left-handed all-rounder Jacob Bethell has earned a maiden call-up for the upcoming three-match test series against New Zealand starting in the latter part of November. He will be replacing Jamie Smith who will be missing the series for the birth of his first child, as announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on October 29.
“Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith will miss the tour as he takes paternity leave for the birth of his first child, with Cox in line to take on wicketkeeping duties and the opportunity of winning his first Test cap,” ECB said in a statement.
Bethell’s addition in place of Jamie Smith is the only change from the England squad which toured Pakistan earlier this month. The visitors eventually suffered a 2-1 defeat. Meanwhile, Jordan Cox will be in line to make his debut for England as he is the only wk-batter named in the squad.
Next Test stop: New Zealand ✈
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“The squad includes one change from the recent series in Pakistan, with Warwickshire’s batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell called up for his first inclusion in a Test squad.”
“The 21-year-old, an attacking left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, made his England white-ball debut this summer in both IT20 and ODI formats against Australia.”
“Bethell is currently with the England white-ball squad in the Caribbean and, along with Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox, will join the Test team following their commitments against the West Indies,” the statement added.
The batting all-rounder, Jacob Bethell had made his England debut in the T20I and ODI formats during the Australia tour where the side levelled the T20I series. He has scored 738 runs in 20 matches so far in his FC career for Warwickshire.
The test series between England and New Zealand is set to begin from November 28 in Christchurch. The second game will take place in Wellington from December 06 onwards with the series finals in Hamilton from December 14.
England squad for New Zealand Tests: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Bryson Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes
