London, Nov 26 (UNI) Jacob Bethell will bat at number three on his Test debut in England’s series opener against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday, media reports said.
Bethell, 21, plays after wicketkeeper Jordan Cox was ruled out with a broken thumb, BBC reported.
As a result, regular number three Ollie Pope takes the gloves and slides down the order to number six, with captain Ben Stokes at seven.
Warwickshire left-hander Bethell has impressed in white-ball cricket for England, but was a surprise selection for this tour.
Joe Root, England’s all-time leading Test run scorer, told BBC Sport: “The way his game sets up suits Test cricket. I’m really looking forward to watching him go out there and play. It’s a really exciting time for him.”
Root’s father Matt and Bethell’s father Graham were team-mates in club cricket for Sheffield Collegiate.
“I’ve known him and his family for a long time,” said Root.
“I saw him play when he was 11 or 12 years old and I could tell then he was already a very accomplished player,” he added.
Bethell’s elevation comes after he secured his first Indian Premier League contract, with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
He has never made a century in senior professional cricket and not batted higher than number four in his 20 first-class matches.
Bethell is the latest bold selection call from England, who arrive on the back of three defeats in their past four Tests following a 2-1 series loss in Pakistan last month.
The first Test at Hagley Oval (10 p,m. GMT Wednesday, 3-30 a.m., IST, Thursday), begins a three-match series, with games in Wellington and Hamilton to follow.
