Jacob Bethell sobre Ollie Pope? Brendon McCallim Filvers Pricticorne RECUSTO

England cricket team head coach Brendon McCullum has indicated that Jacob Bethell might be picked over Ollie Pope in England’s playing XI for the series against India. Ben Stokes and co. will kick start their WTC campaign by taking on the Men in Blue in a five-match Test series that will commence from June 20. Ahead of the challenge, McCullum appears to have thrown his weight behind an impressive Bethell to be a part of the playing XI instead of Pope.

Bethell to pip Pope in England’s playing XI?

Speaking to reporters ahead of IND vs ENG 1st Test, McCullum heaped praise on Bethell, noting that the world was his oyster and that he was already becoming a dressing room leader. Talking about England’s number three, the head coach stated that the team would deal with it in the coming days, hinting that England wouldn’t take a call between Pope and Bethell before next week.

‘Obviously, they’re great options to have, we’re starting to get some real depth not just across the batting but also in the bowling. You welcome those decisions. You’re not scrambling around for people. We’ll deal with it in the next few days. Let’s let this one sink in, enjoy the next few days and plan our way towards that first Test,” McCullum said.

Bethell made his Test debut last year in the series against New Zealand. He has been impressive in the white-ball formats and was instrumental in the whitewash against West Indies in the white-ball formats. However, McCullum acknowledged that the only way to accomodate Bethell in the XI was by replacing Shoab Bashir. But England have no plans to do so.

“Never say never to anyone. We’re pretty happy with how our spinner is going. Shoaib Bashir has been outstanding since he’s come in. To take to Test cricket like he has at such a young age with a pretty tough scheduling. He’s been brilliant but the door is not shut on anyone,” McCullum said.