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England Likely To Release RCB Star Jacob Bethell Mid-Way Through 1st Test Vs India

Anurag Dasgupta

Bethell likely to be released [Source: @weRcricket/x.com] Bethell likely to be released [Source: @weRcricket/x.com]

In the latest development, the England team is likely to take an interesting call mid-way through the 1st Test vs India at Headingley, Leeds. During the live text-commentary for the India Vs England Test, ESPNCricinfo revealed that England will release two of their star players on Saturday.

Jacob Bethell, the maverick left-handed batter, and pacer Sam Cook will be released from the squad as the duo will join their respective domestic teams for the County Championship matches on Sunday. However, pacer Jamie Overton is likely to stay with the team for the remainder of the game and won't be going back to play County games.


There were rumours that Bethell could get a spot in England XI for the 1st Test but Ben Stokes decided to continue with Ollie Pope who scored a century against Zimbabwe recently.

Why England snubbed Bethell for the India Test?

Bethell made his Test debut against New Zealand in December 2024 and quickly established himself as the future of England cricket. In that series, Ollie Pope was pushed down in the batting order as the left-handed batter stamped his authority with 3 fifties. He also notched up 260 runs in 3 matches as England won the series by beating the Kiwis.

Before the start of the 1st Test vs India, ECB Director, Rob Key was in a conundrum regarding the number 3 spot. While Pope generally bats at 3, he couldn't do much in 2024, averaging below 35.

On the other hand, Bethell had a dream start to his red-ball journey and was the favourite to bat at this position. However, Stokes and head coach, Brendon McCullum decided to reward Pope with one more run as the batter scored a sizzling century in the one-off Test match vs Zimbabwe. But if Pope fails in the Headingley Test, Stokes could recall Bethell back and include him in the playing XI.