Jacob Bethell has been withdrawn from England’s upcoming white-ball tour in Australia due to a setback in his knee injury recovery following surgery. This news comes just five weeks ahead of England’s Test series in South Africa, leaving Bethell’s participation there in doubt.
Bethell hasn’t played cricket since England’s ODI series against India in mid-July. He missed the recent warm-up victory over Western Australia as well. Initially, he aimed to recover in time for England’s Test series in Pakistan but was diagnosed with a chondral defect, or cartilage damage, which required surgery.
In a recent discussion with the Mail on Sunday, Bethell shared, “Initially I thought it was going to be three or four weeks: have a bit of time off my feet and then get back into it.” This has now turned into a prolonged absence from the sport, spanning nearly five months, including missing England’s home Tests versus Pakistan, their ODIs against Sri Lanka, and the Pakistan tri-series. He’s now unavailable for the entire white-ball tour in Australia starting at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday.
An England spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday, “Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the white-ball tour of Australia following a scan on his right knee. Bethell suffered a setback during a training session in Perth. It was decided that he will return to the UK before seeing a specialist.”
Before his injury, Bethell was finding his place in England’s ODI team. He shone in his last game with 91 runs and one wicket for 49 runs in ten overs at Lord’s against India. Having opened the batting in that series, Bethell has been succeeded by Tom Banton at the top of the order, who has since scored 394 runs at an average of 56.28, including one century and four half-centuries. Banton now has a chance to cement his place alongside Ben Duckett in Australia.
Bethell had also become Harry Brook’s vice-captain, set to share this role with Will Jacks in Australia. Jacks is expected to lead the team in their fifth T20I against Australia, while Brook and Jordan Cox have departed early for South Africa Test preparations. Joe Root, set to play his 200th ODI on Friday, expressed his sympathy, “It’s disappointing for him. I know how hard he works, and I know everything he’s done to get himself right, and hopefully it’s not too serious and he’s not out for too long.”
Bethell will aim to prove his fitness for the first Test in Johannesburg on December 17, having been named in England’s 15-man squad for the series. He’s vying for a top-six spot against Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, and Dan Lawrence. National selector Marcus North mentioned the batting line-up isn’t finalised, and Bethell may be considered for opening the Tests.
Meanwhile, James Coles is flying to Australia sooner than planned to replace Bethell. Coles, a left-arm orthodox bowler like Bethell, was scheduled for the T20I series but will now arrive in Perth this Thursday. Eddie Jack, the Hampshire fast bowler, joins the ODI team after Josh Tongue’s premature return due to a toe injury. Jack impressed with 5 for 42 in a recent Lions win over West Indies A and will also remain in Australia for the T20I series.
