RCB new recruit Jacob Bethell to make debut as England announce playing XI for first test against New Zealand

RCB bought Jacob Bethell for INR 2.6 crores at the IPL 2025 mega auction.

21-year-old Warwickshire all-rounder, Jacob Bethell is all set to make his test debut for England against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. Bethell has earned the reputation of one of the most exciting young all-rounders in the England circuit.

Despite playing limited First-Class (FC) games, the southpaw is set to bat at No. 3 for the “Three Lions.” Bethell was recently bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 2.6 crores at the two-day Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction 2025.

Having played eight ODIs and seven T20Is, Bethell has already represented England in limited-overs cricket. His test debut has come as a result of his impressive batting display against West Indies where he smashed three half centuries.

Although Bethell’s FC numbers—an average of 25.44 with five half-centuries don’t reflect his full potential, the England selectors have shown faith in his talent.

Joe Root backs Bethell to bat at No. 3

Speaking ahead of the first test against New Zealand, England’s most successful test batsman Joe Root expressed his confidence in Jacob Bethell.

Root said, “He’s full of confidence, he’s got great ability and a really well-rounded game. I think he has all the components to set him up nicely to be successful in this format and at this level. I’m really looking forward to watching him do his stuff.“

Root also acknowledged Bethell’s excellent performance in white-ball cricket

“I love the look of him as a player, I’ve known Jacob and his family a long time and it’s been lovely to watch him grow up as a player coming through in Barbados then at Warwickshire. What he’s done in the white-ball stuff more recently has been exceptional,” Root concluded.

England playing XI against New Zealand for first test

⁠Zak Crawley, ⁠Ben Duckett, ⁠Jacob Bethell,⁠ ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook, ⁠Ollie Pope (wk), ⁠Ben Stokes (capt),⁠ ⁠Chris Woakes,⁠ ⁠Gus Atkinson, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Shoaib Bashir.

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