Following non-selection, all-rounder Jacob Bethell and fast bowler Sam Cook were allegedly removed from England’s 14-man team for the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds, against India. The County Championship will keep both players in shape for red-ball duty. Bethell will play for Warwickshire, Cook for Essex.
The experienced Ollie Pope replaced Jacob Bethell, a contender for the No. 3 berth in the playing XI. The 21-year-old, who had a memorable maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scored 82 in the first ODI and 23* (23), 26 (10), and 36* (16) in the T20I series, which England won 3-0. The BBC reports that he will rejoin his Warwickshire teammates to preserve his red-ball rhythm.
The Three Lions released Cook after he missed the Headingley XI. England called up seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes, who returned from an ankle injury that kept him out since December. Woakes’ comeback left Cook out, leaving Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue as frontline pacers.
Jacob Bethell and Cook want to keep playing well at home and get back into the England team.
The left-handed hitter started his Test career with three fifties against New Zealand last year. He was set to start against India, but Ollie Pope’s 171 off 166 balls against Zimbabwe last month forced him to wait. In contrast, Cook debuted in the Test against Zimbabwe. He embellished, scoring 1/119 in 31 overs.
India and England played their first Test on Friday, June 20. After Ben Stokes asked India to bat first, they started well. at front of a crowded stadium at scenic Headingley, Leeds, the tourists reached 159/2 after 39 overs.
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