England batsman Jacob Bethell is aiming to deliver another strong performance in the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney, as he looks to cement his place at number three in England’s Test lineup. The 22-year-old has made a promising start to his red-ball career and now has a golden opportunity to make the crucial position his own.
Bethell made his Test debut against New Zealand in Christchurch in November 2024 and has since featured in five matches, scoring 312 runs across 10 innings at an average of 34.66, including three half-centuries. Notably, he has impressed at number three, amassing 261 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 43.50.
Bethell played a key role in England’s four-wicket victory over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, contributing a vital 40 in the final innings to guide his side to the target. It marked his first appearance in the ongoing Ashes series after Ollie Pope was preferred for the opening three Tests, which England failed to capitalize on.
With the series finale set to begin in Sydney on January 4, Bethell is expected to retain his place, giving him another chance to stake a long-term claim for the number three spot.
“I like batting at three. You come in when the ball is new and sometimes it’s doing a lot, but there are also opportunities to score when bowlers are attacking and the field has gaps,” Bethell said, as quoted by the ICC.
“I’ve still got a lot more to do before I can say it’s my position. I’d love to make it my own, but more than anything, I just want to nail down a role in the team. If I’m in the XI and contributing to wins, I’m happy,” he added.
The left-hander also credited his experience in the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for helping him handle the pressure of playing in front of massive crowds, such as the 90,000-plus spectators at the MCG.
“It’s about knowing what I can get out of myself in those situations,” Bethell said. “Playing in front of 50,000 in Bengaluru, which felt like 100,000, definitely gave me more confidence heading into a game like the Boxing Day Test.”
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