Former England captain Michael Atherton has criticised the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for not selecting young all-rounder Jacob Bethell for the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe, as the youngster is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025.
“My own view is that Bethell should have been picked,” Atherton told Sky Sports. “That’s the point of an England central contract – that you’ve got control over your players. If you’re going to put a player on a full central contract – Bethell had been moved from an incremental contract to a full deal after doing so well in New Zealand – then bring your player back.”
“International fixtures should have priority over domestic franchise competition.” – Atherton
Atherton also underlined the importance of prioritising international cricket over franchise commitments. “It’s a Test match. It’s an international fixture and international fixtures should have priority over domestic franchise competition. I know the policy is players should see through their IPL deals, but I don’t particularly agree with it,” he said.
He further noted that allowing Bethell to continue playing in the IPL helped the selectors avoid a tough call, especially with changes in the squad due to injuries and personal leave. Bethell made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year when Jamie Smith was on paternity leave and Jordan Cox was injured. Now, while Smith has returned, another injury has ruled Cox out again.
“In many ways, it saved the selectors from a very difficult call. Bethell looked to the manner born in New Zealand but then they would have had the tricky decision as Smith obviously comes back. They could bring Bethell into the squad but I’m not sure they will because they are probably happy not to have the difficult call yet,” he wrote.
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