A fan in the gallery got what he exactly asked for—a six for his grandmother. Astonishingly, Jacob Bethell hit a massive six just after the gallery moment displayed on the screen. 

England was up against the West Indies in Bristol. The host team stepped onto the ground after winning the first match and in search of the second win of the 3-match T20I series. England, led by the newly assigned captain Harry Brook, successfully won the 2nd match in Bristol and the series as well. 

The West Indies, batting first, tried hard to take the target beyond the England batters' reach. In the 20-over limit, in the first innings, the visiting team posted 196 for 6 wickets, undoubtedly a fighting score on any pitch in a T20 match. Skipper Shai Hope bagged the highest run for West Indies in the match, 49 of 38, and Johnson Charles, with 47, was the second-best batter for the away team in the match. Luke Wood produced the best numbers for England with a ball and captured a couple of wickets as well. 

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A quick delivery into the stand 

Jamie Smith's early departure did not hamper England's successful run chase as they upheld a team game to bring down the solid-looking target. During the run chase, Jacob Bethell, batting at number 5, played an important and explosive innings to boost the run rate of his team. The young batter scored 26, facing only 10 balls, which achieved the strike rate of 260.00, powered by three 6s and one 4. 

One of the 6s hit by Bethell caught attention from cricket fans. 'Please hit a 6 for my grandma.' Before a delivery of Alzarii Joseph, a man from the gallery showed his request written on a cardboard. Interestingly, in the following ball, Bethell shamed Joseph for a humongous six!

Watch the six here

A six for Grandma? 🙏
Bethell delivers 🫡 pic.twitter.com/xMMRwqstYl

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 8, 2025

Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton did not hold back while talking about Jacob Bethell’s absence from England’s Test squad for the match against Zimbabwe. The young all-rounder was busy playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025, and Atherton was not happy about it. Jacob Bethell became the main talking point because he was not available for the Test series against Zimbabwe. He was playing for RCB in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which clashed with the Test schedule.

Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain talked about Jacob Bethell not being in England’s Test team for the Zimbabwe series. Bethell did not play the Test match because he was busy in IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Before the second ODI between England and West Indies, Atherton spoke on Sky Sports. He joked about Hussain, who had earlier said that Bethell was learning a lot in IPL by being around a big player like Virat Kohli.

Also Read - IPL 2025: 3 reasons why PBKS deserve to be the winners in Qualifier 2

But Atherton did not agree. He said national duty is more important, especially for players who have central contracts with England.

“I said this three podcasts ago when we were talking about the Zimbabwe Test. I said, bring Bethell back from IPL. It’s an international match. He is a centrally contracted player. I am not saying this now just because things changed. I said the same thing before too,” Atherton said.

He also said:

“You will support him staying in IPL because you have many fans in India. You say he is learning from Kohli and having breakfast with him. That’s fine. But when it’s time to play for your country, you must come back and play.”

Bethell’s IPL Journey

Jacob Bethell got to play in IPL because RCB’s regular opener Phil Salt was sick. Bethell opened the innings with Kohli and played two matches. Jacob Bethell got to play in IPL because RCB’s regular opener Phil Salt was sick. Bethell opened the innings with Kohli and played two matches. Before the IPL playoffs, Bethell left India and joined the England team. He is now playing in the white-ball series against the West Indies.

Former England skipper Michael Atherton has come down heavily on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for dropping Jacob Bethell from the team for the coming one-off Test against Zimbabwe. Bethell, who impressed at England's No. 3 in their recent red-ball series against New Zealand, was not included in the team to continue his stay in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 20-year-old posted 52.00 from three tests in New Zealand in trying conditions to win acclaim and a promotion from an incremental to a full central contract. Though he has red-ball potential and form, the ECB decided to let Bethell stay in the IPL, where he recently became the youngest overseas player to make a fifty. Atherton, on Sky Sports, condemned the move, arguing that a central contract should enable the board to call up a player when international obligation beckons.

"My own belief is that Bethell could and should have been selected," Atherton opined. "That is the purpose of a central contract — you get to control your players. It's an international match, and that must come before any domestic competition."

Also read: BCCI set to announce new Test captain ahead of England series

A Selection Dilemma Avoided, But at What Cost?

Atherton further noted that Bethell’s absence might have conveniently spared the selectors a tough decision. With Jamie Smith returning, there was likely going to be a toss-up between Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope — both of whom have been underwhelming in red-ball cricket recently. Had Bethell been available, the management would have faced the challenge of leaving one of them out.

“Bethell looked the part in New Zealand,” Atherton added. “His absence removes the tricky decision — and they might be happy not to make that call yet.”

The ECB’s policy of allowing contracted players to fulfill IPL commitments has once again sparked debate about the balance between franchise leagues and international cricket.

England Squad for Zimbabwe Test:

Ben Stokes (cap.), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, James Rew, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wkt.), and Josh Tongue.

In a crucial top-of-the-table match in IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have given a debut opportunity to England emerging star Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old all-rounder was promoted to the playing XI from Delhi Capitals (DC) in place of RCB's regular opening partner Phil Salt, who was rested because of a fever. It's a massive opportunity for Bethell, who had been creating ripples in international cricket and now enters the Indian Premier League spotlight.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed at the toss that Salt's non-availability paved the way for Bethell, and the team opted to bowl first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. With the winner of this game likely to reach atop the points table, it's a big-knock debut for the young Englishman.

A Rising Star: Jacob Bethell’s Journey to the IPL

Jacob Bethell is a left-handed batting all-rounder with clean striking, neat slow left-arm bowling, and incendiary fielding. He first came to the limelight when England played their Under-19 World Cup in 2022, impressing one and all with his unapologetic batting and chirpy fielding. His perennial run in the domestic circuit secured him a call to the senior England side at 20 in 2024. Since then, he has appeared across formats, representing England in three Tests, nine ODIs, and 10 T20Is.

Although his recent T20I series against India wasn't his best scoring only 23 runs in three games Bethell's natural talent is still present. In his T20 career to date, he has played 63 games, scoring 1127 runs at a rate of 24.50 and taking 11 wickets.

ALSO SEE: 'Scales are tilted towards...'— former India cricketer predicts which team slightly ahead for DC vs RCB IPL 2025 game

RCB proved their faith in Bethell by snapping him up during the 2025 mega auction for ₹2.60 crore. Now with Salt unavailable, Bethell can finally showcase his talent in the IPL.

High Stakes for RCB as Jacob Bethell Prepares for IPL Debut

Bethell's addition is at a pivotal moment for RCB. On the back of five consecutive away victories, RCB are in pursuit of a record sixth successive away win something no side has ever done in IPL history. With so much riding on the outcome, Bethell's brazen attitude may be just the thing that keeps RCB's run alive.

Coming up against a strong Delhi Capitals team bolstered by Faf du Plessis's return, Bethell will look to make his mark from day one and give back the faith reposed in him. The match on Sunday is set to be an exhilarating encounter, and for Jacob Bethell, the beginning of an unforgettable IPL stint.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally relaxes on Jacob Bethell and is ready to play in IPL 2025. Bethell had injured his left hamstring before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The (ECB) replaced him with Tom Banton for the Champions Trophy. RCB was worried that Bethell might also miss the IPL season 2025, but luckily, Jacob Bethell has recovered and will be ready to play the 2025 IPL season.

ALSO READ: 3 Players Who Could Replace Steve Smith in Australia’s ODI Squad

Jacob Bethell will be available for RCB in IPL 2025. (Richard Gibson/Daily Mail). pic.twitter.com/FJkHvr2eYG

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 6, 2025

RCB squad for IPL 2025

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone , Phil Salt , Jitesh Sharma (wk), Josh Hazlewood , Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David , Romario Shepherd , Nuwan Thushara , Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell , Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi ✈️, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 awaits the most cricket tournament, unfortunately, some of the top players are not taking part in this tournament due to injuries and so on. A comprehensive list going over the players who were dropped and why they did not make it. 

1.Jasprit Bumrah(India)

India's best fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. He had back problems during the final Test at Sydney against Australia that also ruled him out of the T20 series with England. Doctors have recommended complete rest to recover properly from such injuries.

2. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)

Saim Ayub (Pakistani Young batsman) right ankle fracture Saim Ayub Pakistani young batsman will not be playing in the tournament. His ankle got him during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. He is looking to be back fully fit around ten weeks from now, therefore will not be ready for the Champions Trophy.

3.  Pat Cummins (Australia)

The Australian top-order batsman was ruled out by an ankle injury. Cummins suffered the injury while playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India and has yet not been fit.

4. Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

Another important Australian fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood will also not be available for play in the tourney due to a hip injury. The same as earlier this season when he was pulled out of the Gabba Test in order not to risk his comeback with two weeks to go.

ALSO READ: SL vs AUS 1st ODI Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the match online and tv

5. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)

Australian pace allrounder Mitchell Marsh has capped his career because of a back injury which has he considered for him to bring to life in the Champions Trophy.

6. Marcus Stoinis (Australia)

Australia batsman Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODI (One Day International) The decision is meant, that he will not be a part of Australia's squad for the Champions Trophy. 

7. Jacob Bethell (England)

England tour of India: England's Young England all-rounder, Jacob Bethell hurt his hamstring The injury will take a few weeks to heal and he won't be fit for the tournament.

8. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)

South African Anrich Nortje has had a bad back as well. He has not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup final and later had a bad inversion in the nets recently.

ALSO READ: Matthew Kuhnemann Reported for Suspect Bowling Action After Sri Lanka Test

9. Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)

Gerald Coetzee was ruled out with a tight groin They were tested medically and told playing in this tournament could make his injury worse so team management has pulled him out.

10. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc pulls out of Champions Trophy for personal reasons The full scoop on that call has yet to be released. 

English all-rounder Jacob Bethell, may if not available for the IPL 2025 season, would leave a big gap for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to look into a replacement. Bethell is an all-rounder who can be used with bat and ball and was recently ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury. His fitness and availability for the next season of IPL remain unknown. If RCB requires a replacement, then they have the following strong players in their side. 

Possible replacements if jacob Bethell ruled out from ipl

1. Romario Shepherd

Romario Shepherd is a West Indian all-rounder who has been recognized with his powerful batting and useful medium-pace bowling. He had been a part of IPL teams before and played under high-pressure conditions. In the lower order, he could hit big shots, and that would be really crucial in delivering some overs when the team needed it the most.

2. Swapnil Singh

Swapnil Singh is an Indian all-rounder who bowls with his left arm orthodox spin and also contributes with his bat. He has performed pretty well in the domestic matches and has the skills to support RCB's spin attack with bat. His batting capability to bat in the lower order adds depth to the team's batting lineup. For the fact that he is an Indian player, replacement of an overseas player like Bethell with him would also give RCB the chance to accommodate an extra foreigner in another department.

ALSO READ:NZ vs SA 2nd ODI Live streaming: Where & How to Watch the match online and tv.

3. Manoj Bhandage

Another promising Indian all-rounder, Manoj Bhandage, might as well prove a good substitute for Bethell. A right-arm medium pacer, he has been seen to play aggressive shots in the middle order. Thus, it will make him an all-around candidate for the team as he has been performing marvellously well in the domestic T20 leagues. It may be his chance if provided an opportunity in IPL 2025.

England captain Jos Buttler confirmed young all-rounder Jacob Bethell will miss the Champions Trophy with injury.#CT25 #England pic.twitter.com/J82Ults6H7

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) February 10, 2025

England suffered a major setback ahead of the Champions Trophy as promising all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury, skipper Jos Buttler has confirmed. "I'm pretty sure he's been ruled out of the Champions Trophy, to be honest, So, that's really disappointing for him. Obviously, he played nicely the other day and has been one of the really exciting players. So, it's a shame that the injury is going to rule him out" Buttler said after their  defeat to India in the second ODI in Cuttack . The deadline to submit the final squads for the Champions Trophy is Wednesday. 

🚨 JACOB BETHELL RULED OUT OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Xm3keCXQdU

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 10, 2025

ALSO SEE :  Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Update: BCCI Awaits Fitness Report for Champions Trophy

Impact on England's Squad :
With the loss of Bethell, the balance of their squad will again be questioned in England. This is because the player was highly useful with the bat and the ball in the middle order. The selectors are likely to announce a replacement soon, probably Liam Dawson or Will Jacks. Bethell was fantastic domestic cricketer in England. He proves to be a setback for his development personally, and he remains positive that he will make a strong comeback.

Looking Ahead for squad :
Now, attention turns to the Champions Trophy as England goes into adjustment in anticipation of the loss in the team. on its part, must get the balance right in the squad. Fans will anxiously see who steps into Bethell's slot, so to say.
Recovery will be the short-term goal for Bethell, but the amount of talent combined with determination will only result in Bethell bouncing back stronger in the future.

The talented  young man named Jacob Bethell never fails through his performances and his name written  into the history books by becoming the youngest to score half-century or more in India while playing for England. Bethell, by being very mature and calm during batting, made it clear why he was taken as one of the most skilled batsmen during such a demanding cricketing condition. His score of 50+ was personal achievement but demonstrated the potential he held to become a future star for the England team.

Jacob Bethell becomes the youngest England player to hit a 50+ score in India. 🤯

- JACOB BETHELL MADE HISTORY..!!! 🙇 pic.twitter.com/QBW1rESyhk

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 6, 2025

ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja: The Only Indian Spinner with 600 Wickets and 6,000 Runs in International Cricket

Fans and experts have been stunned by Bethell's technique and mental toughness, which has separated him from many others. His show in India is a statement to ability to shine in one of cricket's most difficult hunting grounds.Bethell will become an integral part of the rise in English cricket history. For Bethell, this is going to become only the starting point of one promising and exciting journey.

Jacob Bethell For RCB in IPL:

A quality addition to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcomin seasons of the IPL. For sure, might be Jacob Bethell has the ingredients to bring necessary energy to their batting lineup at RCB the aggressive style in batting and immense strength in pressing conditions. So, whether the batting is open or middle, Bethell should help strengthen this area of play, especially at spin-friendly situations.

While the Indian bowlers completely dominated in the Kolkata T20I over the English batters, it is a new tense sign for the IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) fans as three of their English batters completely failed in the first innings of the match.

Although the English captain Jos Buttler provided a good start, the other English batters had no answer for the Indian bowlers. English cricketers Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell are RCBians, and all of them had hard luck on Wednesday night.

Phil Salt scored a duck

Opener Salt couldn’t open the scoreline as Arshdeep Singh delivered a short ball and an extra bounce resulted in Salt’s dismissal after the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson comfortably took the catch. It was just the third ball of the match while England were 0/1. 

Also Watch: Varun Chakravarthy's double put India in strong position

Liam Livingstone also scored a duck; Jacob Bethell struggled

Liam Livingstone scored a two-ball duck as the in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy bowled him. The new RCBian Jacob Bethell failed to help the visitors from the tough situation and his clueless batting disturbed the English skipper’s fighting flow. It was Hardik Pandya who dismissed Bethell for seven off 14 balls. 

England were all out for 132 runs in 20 overs

Indian bowlers dominated in England innings as England were all out for 132 runs in 20 overs. While the skipper Buttler scored fighting 68 off 44 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes, Harry Brook (17) and Jofra Archer (12) were the only other English batters with double-digit scores in that innings. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Varun Chakravarthy got three wickets (3/23), while Arshdeep Singh (2/17), Axar Patel (2/22), and Hardik Pandya (2/42) bagged two wickets each.  

Later, Abhishek Sharma's dominant batting, as he scored 79 off 34 balls, guided India to reach the target in 12.5 overs after losing three wickets.