Jacob Bethell targets No.3 role in England Tests

England All-rounder Jacob Bethell has expressed his desire to make No.3 his fixed place in the Test setup. However, he said he needs to improve his game and gain more experience.

Bethell had never batted higher than No. 4 in first-class cricket before last year. He returned to the team in Melbourne, replacing Ollie Pope. His innings at No. 4 proved crucial and helped England.

Speaking of hitting threes, Bethell said he likes to hit there. “I like three. You come in when the ball is new and in some scenarios the ball goes all over the store but in other scenarios it presents scoring opportunities when the bowlers are trying to take the wickets and the pitch is attacking – there are lots of spaces,” he said. “I still have a long way to go to make this my position.”

Bengaluru crowd helped Bethell

The 22-year-old said his run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru helped him prepare for pressure situations.

“It’s about knowing what I’m capable of getting out of myself when the situation is like this and when the atmosphere is like this,” Bethell said. “I definitely had a lot more confidence going into this match after playing in front of, I don’t know, 50,000 people – what felt like 100,000 – in Bengaluru.”

“Don’t think too much”

Bethell likely to retain place in final Ash test. After the series, he will play white-ball cricket. His next first-class match will be in June during the home summer.

However, he said he wants to focus on the current mission. “I’m not thinking too far ahead yet,” Bethell said. “Hopefully next week in Sydney we will then have plenty of cricket to play before next summer.”

Asked about the number three role, he added: “I would just like to define any role in the team. If you are in the XI and you contribute to the victory, I am quite happy with that.”

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