This player failed as soon as RCB made their bet. (Photo: AFP)
Royal Challengers Bangalore had made a big bid for 21-year-old England all-rounder Jacob Bethel in the IPL mega auction. Bethel had entered the auction with a base price of Rs 1.25 crore. During this time, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad also showed interest. But the Bengaluru franchise had decided to buy him. Therefore, she kept betting until Punjab and Hyderabad backed out and bought her for Rs 2.60 crore and included her in the team. But soon after his multi-crore bet, Bethel failed.
He scored only 10 runs in his debut
Jacob Bethel is supported by veteran cricketers from England. Many legends including Alastair Cook and Nasir Hussain have appreciated his talent. At the same time, England Test team captain Ben Stokes also shows blind confidence in him. Therefore, without any first-class centuries, he gave Bethel the opportunity to make his debut in the first Test which was played against New Zealand in Christchurch.
After 46 years, England have included in the Test team a batsman who does not have a century to his name in first class. However, he was unable to take advantage of this opportunity. Bethel, famous for his stormy batting, could only score 10 runs at a strike rate of 29 in his first Test innings. For this he faced 34 balls.
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RCB’s plans ruined?
This time RCB has included fast batting players. In such a situation, it would be a mistake to judge Bethel’s T20 performance by their Test innings. The left-handed Bethel usually plays in the middle order. In 2024, he played 7 T20 international matches, in which he scored 173 runs at a strike rate of 167 and an average of 57. He made his T20 debut against Australia this year.
England’s position against New Zealand
England are currently in New Zealand for a three-match Test series. Their first match will be played in Christchurch from November 28. Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl first. The New Zealand team scored 348 runs in the first innings. On the second day of the game i.e. 29 November, the England team got a chance to bat but lost 4 wickets for 71 runs. Jack Crawley and Joe Root returned without opening the account. Ben Duckett scored 46 runs and Jacob Bethel scored 10 runs. However, after the fall of 4 wickets, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook took charge of the team.
