Jacob Bethell backed to rebound from Test disappointment by starring in The Hundred
England star Jacob Bethell has been backed to quickly rebound from his Test disappointment as he prepares to make an Edgbaston return in The Hundred.
The 21-year-old is expected to play for Birmingham Phoenix on Friday in their opening group match against Trent Rockets, just four days on from the thrilling conclusion to the series between England and India.
Bethell, included in the team for the final Test after captain Ben Stokes was ruled out through injury, scored just 11 runs across two innings, while the manner of his dismissal in a run chase which saw England fall just six runs short drew criticism in some quarters.
It marked the first real setback in what has been an impressive start in international cricket across all formats for the Warwickshire ace, who has played just one first-class match this summer.
Bears and Phoenix team-mate, Dan Mousley, has no fears his friend will soon be back on track.
“He only had one game, two innings. In the white ball stuff before then he was unbelievable,” Mousley told the Express & Star.
“He is so talented. One of the most talented players I think I have ever seen.
“He will be absolutely fine, I am sure of that. He is so good. He has shown over the last 12 to 18 months how good he is. It was only one game. I am sure he will perform really well for us.
“We play so much cricket now, you are straight on to the next game.”
Bethell was back at Edgbaston on Wednesday, along with the rest of the Phoenix squad, to take part in a Dynamos session with nearly 100 young local cricketers.
Prior to then, he had caught up with Mousley over a coffee who said: “When it is one of your best friends, you don’t really talk about cricket. We talked more about golf and were catching up about life.
“I couldn’t be more pleased for him, what has happened over the last year.
“He is one of the nicest lads in the world and to see one of your really good mates playing at that level is pretty cool to watch.
“It’s great to have him back around. I’m looking forward to having this month together.”
While The Hundred offers Bethell the chance of regular cricket, it also presents an opportunity for Mousley to remind the England white-ball selectors of his own talents.
The 24-year-old made seven limited overs appearances against the West Indies over the winter but did not feature in the home series earlier this summer.
England host South Africa in September, immediately after the conclusion of The Hundred, before playing another white-ball series in New Zealand the following month.
Mousley said: “For me, playing for England is what I have wanted to do since I was a kid
“When you play T20s and ODIs, as I did last winter, you just want more of it. You are never satisfied.
“The Caribbean was a special trip but I want more. I want to get back in.
“Right now, I’m not really thinking about it. I know it is cliched but I just want to do well here for the Phoenix and hopefully everything takes care of itself.”
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