England include Bethell in Test squad for New Zealand series

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been called up to the Test squad for England’s upcoming series against New Zealand, marking his first inclusion in the Test lineup. Bethell’s addition comes in the wake of wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith’s absence due to paternity leave.
Bethell, who has represented England in five One-Day Internationals and two T20 matches, joins the squad as the only new face compared to the team that recently triumphed over Pakistan 2-1 in their Test series. In Smith’s absence, Jordan Cox, who has yet to make his Test debut, is poised to take on the wicketkeeping role, as confirmed by the ECB.
England’s three-Test series in New Zealand will kick off on November 28 in Christchurch, with subsequent matches in Wellington and Hamilton. The addition of Bethell brings fresh energy to the squad as they look to build on recent successes in the international arena.