Jacob Bethell Injured Ahead of New Zealand Test

Young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has suffered an injury ahead of England’s first home Test of the summer. Bethell injured his finger while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, raising doubts over his availability for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.

Bethell sustained the injury to the ring finger of his left hand while diving to save a boundary during a match against Punjab Kings. As a result, he missed RCB’s final group-stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that, in agreement with RCB, Bethell will return home for further assessment. England’s medical team will monitor his recovery and determine whether he will be fit for selection for the opening Test.

Bethell scored his maiden Test century in England’s previous Test against Australia in Sydney and was expected to bat at No. 3 in the upcoming series against New Zealand. However, he struggled for form in the IPL, managing only 96 runs in seven innings.

In Bethell’s absence, Somerset batter James Rew has been included as the reserve batter in England’s squad. Meanwhile, Bethell’s RCB teammate Jordan Cox could also be considered if the injury rules him out of the Test.