“I definitely had more...” - Jacob Bethell on how IPL crowds prepared him for Ashes debut
England batter Jacob Bethell says his IPL stint with RCB helped him handle Ashes debut pressure at the MCG, as his composed 40 played a key role in England’s Boxing Day Test win in Australia.
England’s young batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell believes his brief but intense exposure to the Indian Premier League played a key role in helping him handle the pressure of an Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of the most intimidating venues in world cricket.
IPL experience proves crucial in preparing Bethell for Ashes debut pressure
The 22-year-old was drafted into England’s XI for the Boxing Day Test, replacing Ollie Pope at No.3, and responded with a composed knock of 40 as England chased down 175 to secure a memorable four-wicket win. The victory ended England’s long wait for a Test win in Australia and snapped an 18-match winless run Down Under.
Bethell admitted the occasion initially got to him, but said his stint with Indian Premier League helped him stay calm when it mattered most. Having featured in two matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their title-winning 2025 campaign, Bethell said the atmosphere in India offered an unexpected rehearsal for the Ashes spotlight.
“I was pretty nervous - not so much with the people, just the occasion,” Bethell said. “But I’ve played in India where it feels like there’s 160,000 watching. Playing in front of 50,000 at the Chinnaswamy, which felt like 100,000, definitely gave me more confidence coming into this game.”
Calm under pressure strengthens Bethell’s case as England’s long-term No.3
Walking out to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with England still needing over 100 runs, Bethell showed maturity beyond his years. His timely boundaries eased the pressure and steadied a chase that could easily have slipped away on a challenging surface.
While his first-innings dismissal was forgettable, Bethell’s second-innings contribution offered a glimpse of why England see him as a long-term option at No.3. He described the role as a “double-edged sword”, demanding both survival and intent, but one he is keen to make his own.
For now, Bethell isn’t chasing labels or guarantees. His focus is simple: contribute, learn, and stay in the XI. And if handling a roaring Chinnaswamy crowd helped him breathe easier in Melbourne, England may have the IPL to thank for a calm head on the Ashes stage.
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