Sir Alastair Cook advised England cricketer Jacob Bethell on the Stick to Cricket podcast to consider returning from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a lack of game time, suggesting his place in England’s Test team could be at risk. Bethell, who has not yet played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, scored a century in the Ashes in January and 105 in the T20 World Cup semi-final against India in March.
Pietersen’s response
Kevin Pietersen, who was unhappy with how his England career finished under Cook’s captaincy back in 2014, strongly criticised Cook's advice. He said that the former England skipper has “no idea” about the IPL, arguing that Bethell is gaining invaluable experience by being around the world's best players, even without playing.
Bethell’s perspective
Bethell himself believes he is benefiting from the high standard of cricket and the environment in India. He told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast that he is feeling better now than a month ago. Despite his IPL situation, Bethell is expected to be in England's Test XI for the summer, potentially at number three, a position he is keen to nail down after his Ashes breakthrough innings.
