Bears impress for England Lions overseas

Bears stars Jacob Bethell and Nathan Gilchrist have made their mark with bat and ball during the England Lions’ games in Australia in recent weeks. 

With England currently facing Australia for the Ashes Down Under, the England Lions are also playing competitive matches to gain experience, as well as offering those in the first team squad the opportunity to remain match-sharp.

Gilchrist was named in the Lions squad while Bethell has been knocking on the door of a starting spot in Ben Stokes’ team, and they’ve both enjoyed success during the ongoing tour.

Bethell’s has been pushing for an opportunity to bat at number three in the current Ashes series after his brilliant introduction to Test cricket against New Zealand last winter, and he has thrown weight behind his cause in his recent outings for the Lions.

He scored a determined 71 from 154 balls against Australia A on Sunday, against a bowling attack that included Test players Jhye Richardson, Todd Murphy, and Beau Webster, as well as leading Sheffield Shield bowlers Xavier Bartlett and Fergus O’Neill.

His other half-century came against England in their pre-Ashes warm-up game at Lilac Hill. The left-hander was at his stylish best, ticking along at just under a run a ball, finishing with 70 from 80 deliveries.

He has missed out on other opportunities to play for the Lions having performed 12th man duties in the opening two tests, but was given a late appearance in a fixture against Cricket Australia XI, where he made a tidy 44 from 85 balls.

Bethell has faced a barrage of short-pitched bowling during the tour and has been largely unfazed, scoring freely square of the wicket. His style of play looks suited to the southern hemisphere, and with Adelaide being a must-win Test, he could well have played himself into contention.

Gilchrist is now a full-time Bear having impressed in the latter stages of last summer when he came on loan from Kent for the final block of County Championship fixtures. A tall seam bowler, Gilchrist bowls with pace, bounce and hostility, and has been showing that during the Lions tour of Australia.

He’s taken a wicket in every innings he’s bowled in, claiming nine in total across three games, including a four-for against Australia A in the most recent fixture, trapping future Bears team-mate Beau Webster LBW for his second wicket.

He’s been utilised by the Lions as an enforcer, bowling with consistent high pace and troubling the Australians with his height and bounce. It’s an exciting sign for Bears fans, as he will bring an important point of difference to the bowling attack.

The 25-year-old has been on England’s radar for some time, first appearing for the Lions during a tour of Sri Lanka in 2023. With England keeping a close eye on him, and Gilchrist having the opportunity to play regular, high-quality competitive cricket during the winter, he could prove to be one of the signings of the summer when the County Championship gets underway in April.