Former England skipper Michael Atherton criticized the Cricket Board (ECB) in England and Wales for not choosing Jacob Bethel for a one-off test against Zimbabwe. The cricketer-turned commentator questioned the logic that allowed Jacob Bethel to remain in IPL 2025 ahead of international equipment.
Jacob Bethel was not included in the team due to IPL’s commitment with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for testing against Zimbabwe. Bethel was impressed with her debut series held in New Zealand earlier this year. Southpaw won three half-century while batting in third place in the UK’s 2-1 series victory.
Jacob Bethel should have been chosen – Michael Atherton
Michael Atherton said Jacob Bethel should be included in the English team. Speaking about the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, he said international equipment should be prioritized over domestic franchise competitions like the IPL.
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“My own view is that Bethel should have been chosen. That’s the key point of the contract. You’ve taken control of your players,” Atherton said.
“If we were to put players on a full central contract, Bethel would have done very well in New Zealand before moving from incremental contracts to full deals.
“This is a test match. It’s an international fixture, and international fixtures should take priority over domestic franchise competition. Players should be seen through IPL transactions, but I disagree,” he added.
They’re happy not to make difficult calls probably – Michael Atherton
Michael Atherton said Jacob Bethel was impressed in New Zealand. Atherton expressed uncertainty about whether player Jamie Smith will return and Bethel will be brought to the team.
“In many ways, it saved the selector from a very difficult call. Bethel turned to the way he was born in New Zealand, but when Smith clearly came back, they would have made a tricky decision,” Atherton said.
“They managed to take Bethel to their team, but they’re happy they don’t make difficult calls yet, so I don’t know if they’ll do that.”
Indian Premier League suspended for at least a week amid tension
As India’s Premier League has been suspended for at least a week amid escalating border tensions, there may be an opportunity for the ECB to remember Bethel for future tests against Zimbabwe. However, it remains unclear whether the ECB will take any action to get him back.
Jordan was excluded from future matches due to abdominal injuries shortly after winning the Essex century. England have selected 21-year-old James Leu with their team for the Test against Zimbabwe.
Somerset’s wicketkeeper batter, who reached the 10th century, is the youngest British to reach that milestone since Dennis Compton in 1939. Meanwhile, Bethel’s omission feels that Zack Crawley’s inconsistency and Ollie Pope are under pressure.
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