Young England batter Jacob Bethell has revealed that experiencing the huge crowds of the Indian Premier League helped him overcome nerves after a crucial recall for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.
From Dance Floors to the MCG Crease
Until his ice-cool, unbeaten 40 guided England to a victory that averted a series whitewash in front of 90,000 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Bethell's tour was perhaps best known for a viral video. The clip showed him expertly performing the "YMCA" dance on a night out in Noosa during the team's mid-series break.
Despite the unwanted social media attention, the 22-year-old left-hander demonstrated his trademark technique when it mattered most on a challenging pitch. His innings proved pivotal in a successful chase of 115 runs, coming in after a brief promotion for Brydon Carse.
Technique Tempered in India's Cauldron
Bethell admitted to significant nerves upon his return to the Test side for the Boxing Day match, where he managed just one run in the first innings. "I was pretty nervous," Bethell confessed. "Not so much with the number of people, just the occasion. I've played in India where it feels like there's 160,000 watching."
This composure was forged during a seven-week stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL earlier in the year. The experience of playing high-pressure franchise cricket in front of massive, passionate crowds has become a common theme in preparing English players for Ashes atmospheres.
His second innings at the MCG showcased why coaches have long admired his technique. Bethell's balance, early length detection, and crisp shot-making were on full display, from a punched on-drive off Scott Boland to a silky cover drive after the tea interval.
A Wasted Summer and a Selection Conundrum
The path to this moment, however, has not been straightforward. Bethell's IPL commitment, signed before his Test debut, meant he missed England's one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May. This allowed Ollie Pope to score 171 runs, cementing his place for the subsequent India series.
As a result, Bethell endured what he describes as a "slightly wasted summer." He had only a single red-ball appearance for Warwickshire and a one-off Test chance at The Oval, with his focus shifting predominantly to white-ball cricket. A maiden ODI century against South Africa offered some consolation.
The selection debate between Pope and Bethell created an awkward dynamic. England team director Rob Key has since admitted that the change made for Melbourne—bringing Bethell in at No. 3—should likely have happened sooner. Pope himself showed a team-first attitude, giving Bethell throwdowns before play on Boxing Day.
Looking Ahead to Sydney and Beyond
Now, with the fifth and final Test in Sydney beginning on 4 January, Bethell has a fresh opportunity to solidify his place. "I would like to just nail down any role in the team," he stated. "If you're in the XI and contributing to winning I'm pretty happy with that."
He expressed a particular fondness for the No. 3 position, acknowledging its dual nature. "You come in when the ball is new and in some scenarios the ball's going all over the shop. But it also presents opportunities to score when bowlers are attacking," Bethell explained.
After a year of mixed signals and limited red-ball opportunities, the Sydney Test represents another critical chapter in Bethell's rapid education at the highest level. His performance at the MCG has not only saved England's pride but has powerfully stated his case for a long-term future in the Test side.
