‘I’m hoping I don’t get booed too much’- Jacob Bethell on returning to his birthplace while representing England

The young player that was raised in the West Indies prior to making his England debut is Jacob Bethell. For England’s next white-ball tour to the West Indies, which is set to begin on October 31, 2024, the batting all-rounder has been shortlisted in the ODI and T20I teams.

In a recent interview on the red carpet at the Professional Cricketers’ Association awards, where he received a nomination for “Young Player of the Year,” Bethell talked about his thoughts about going back to his hometown later this year. In addition, he made a sarcastic comment about not wanting to elicit the same kind of responses from West Indian fans from English supporters as he did from Australian fans during Australia’s most recent journey to England.

All of my friends have already purchased tickets because there is where my heritage is, and they will be waiting for me in the stands when I arrive. I’m hoping I don’t get heckled too much since I’ve seen Steve Smith in his past few games, and every time he steps out to bat, it seems like the end of the world. I’m a little anxious about how the West Indian fans will embrace me. Hopefully, it isn’t the situation in the West Indies. I can’t imagine it will be anything other than that, but I’m just kidding; a lot of support is coming around,” Bethell said, as cited by The Telegraph.

Hopefully, the finest one is still to come: Jacob Bethell

Bethell revealed that he aspired to make his Test debut as well. He has already participated in seven limited-overs matches for England.

“It feels good to cross off two of them, but perhaps the best one is still to come. Becoming a Test cricket player for England has always been my desire. I know it has changed over the past three years, but that dream still exists,” said Bethell.

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In the end, Jamie Smith—a batter and wicketkeeper—won the trophy instead of Bethell. Despite spending his early years in the Caribbean, he is among the rare group of players, including Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, and Phil Salt, who have represented England at the national level.