Bethell’s Meteoric Rise Stumbles: Is England’s Young Gun Losing His Spark?
Will Smeed Bethell, the young English batsman who burst onto the scene last year, appears to be struggling to maintain his early promise. His impressive start, marked by crucial half-centuries during the New Zealand tour, now seems a distant memory.
The 21-year-old’s recent performances have been far from stellar. His single-digit scores for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred tournament are a cause for concern.
His showing in the final Test against India at The Oval, where he managed only six and five runs across both innings, further highlights his dip in form.
Across his last 10 appearances in all formats, Bethell has accumulated a mere 145 runs at a worrying average of 13.18, with a highest score of 36. This slump, spanning 12 innings, raises serious questions about his future in the England team.
This downturn in Bethell’s form serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressure and fluctuating fortunes faced by even the most promising young cricketers on the international stage. His struggles will undoubtedly be closely watched by selectors as England looks ahead to future series.
