Rob Key, the England team director, says the number three spot for the first Test against India is between Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell. He says whoever gets picked won’t determine the future of either player, it’s a good position to be in.
Choosing between Pope and Bethell will be tough because one will play and the other might not play at all. Key sees it as a choice between two good players. Pope has a good record at number three, 171 in the last Test against Zimbabwe, 2,024 in 28 Tests. Bethell had three fifties in his last outing against New Zealand.
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In the Telegraph’s cricket podcast, Key said having two good options is a good problem to have. He said, “It’s tough when you have no options and have to figure something out. This time it’s about which really good player to pick.”
Bethell wasn’t in the Zimbabwe Test because he was playing in the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru which drew some criticism from former English cricketer Michael Atherton. But Key defended Bethell saying their careers aren’t based on this week’s game or his decision to play in the IPL. He thinks Bethell’s experience in the league will pay off in the long run.
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Key also said fast bowler Mark Wood who is recovering from a knee injury might be fit by the end of the series. He’s confident Wood will be fit for the Ashes. The first Test starts on June 20, the start of both teams’ ICC World Test Championship cycle.
