Jacob Bethell admits it has been "great to be involved" in the Bears' storming start to the Vitality Blast campaign.
The Bears will face Leicestershire Foxes at Edgbaston tomorrow (2.30pm Thursday) seeking to extend their 100% record having won three out of three so far.
Bethell has played in all three games, most recently opening the batting and the bowling in the victory over Durham at Edgbaston last Sunday.
That’s quite a responsibility for an 18-year-old, but it’s one that that Bethell takes in his stride. He is loving being part of the Bears’ first team picture, opening the batting with T20 legend Paul Stirling with the likes of Sam Hain, Adam Hose, Chris Benjamin and Carlos Brathwaite following him in the batting line-up
“It’s great for us to have such depth to the batting,” Bethell said. “Against Durham last Sunday the top four didn’t fire but then Hosey and Benjy came in and batted brilliantly and put on the crucial partnership.
“Stirlo fired in the first game and, with the quality we have, everyone will fire at some point in the games to come and that’s what makes a good team.
“I have not got the runs that I would have liked to yet this tournament, but that can happen in T20. It’s a game of fine margins and sometimes things don’t come off for you. They haven’t for me in the first three games but hopefully that will change. It’s just great to be involved.
“I will stick to the same processes and trust what I do and back my skills. I got a chance with the ball in the Durham game as well which I really enjoyed and I just want to contribute in every way I can.”
Although he won’t turn 19 until October, Bethell is already very much part of the Bears’ first-team picture having played 15 games for the club across the formats.
He will be hoping to add to those tomorrow afternoon when the Bears take on the Foxes with the customary great backing of the Edgbaston crowd.
“It’s fantastic to play at Edgbaston with the fans cheering you on,” he said. “I played one game there last year and batted down the order so it has been nice to play this season in front of a big crowd in my main role and try to contribute that way.
“We have started really well this season so now hopefully we can push on and get some more wins in the three big games coming up in the next four days.”
