England coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that the final XI for the first Ashes Test against Australia, starting in Perth on 21 November, is yet to be decided. While the team is expected to be largely settled, the number three spot remains uncertain, with vice-captain Ollie Pope competing with 21-year-old Jacob Bethell for selection.
Bethell, a young left-hander, scored his first professional century in Sunday’s third ODI against South Africa. McCullum praised the youngster’s rapid adaptation to international cricket, saying, “He’s very quickly taken to international cricket and things have come really quickly for him as well… He’ll just keep working hard and we’ll see what unfolds.”
Last winter, Bethell scored three half-centuries at number three when Pope moved down the order to fill in as wicketkeeper. Speaking after Sunday’s match, Bethell admitted he would have liked more game time over the summer but will have further opportunities in upcoming T20s against South Africa, as well as three T20s and three ODIs in New Zealand ahead of the Ashes. Later this month, he will also become the youngest man to captain England in a limited-strength side against Ireland. McCullum highlighted Bethell’s leadership qualities, calling the appointment “a tremendous honour.”
When asked if he had an Ashes XI in mind, McCullum said, “No, not yet. We will work out that when we get to Australia.” However, opener Ben Duckett and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith are all but certain to feature in Perth. Both have been rested from this week’s T20s against South Africa to recover ahead of the winter, with McCullum noting Duckett looked fatigued after a busy schedule including The Hundred and a five-Test series against India.
McCullum also backed young fast bowler Sonny Baker, who had the most expensive figures for an England debutant in the first ODI at Headingley but remains in the T20 and Ireland squads. “He’s good – I’ve been really impressed with Sonny… He bowls at good, high pace and is able to swing the ball both ways. As he matures, he’s just going to keep getting better and better,” McCullum said.
England’s 342-run victory in Southampton on Sunday marked the biggest margin in ODI history, though the team had been convincingly beaten in the first two matches. McCullum acknowledged challenges caused by the tight schedule, saying five players were unable to train properly before the series opener due to its proximity to The Hundred final. “It is the first time we’ve ever met someone on the morning of a game… But that’s just how it is and we’ve got to be a bit more understanding of that,” he added.
