Jacob Bethell is back at Edgbaston as he prepares for a busy summer that could see his IPL debut and representing England at his home ground.
Warwickshire’s allrounder is rehabbing from a hamstring injury picked up in the first ODI in India last month which ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The 21-year-old expects to be fit and ready to make his IPL bow for Royal Challengers Bengaluru who get the competition underway on 22 March against a Kolkata Knight Riders side that may feature Moeen Ali.
And a packed international calendar could see him pull on an England shirt at Edgbaston in the Men’s ODI vs West Indies in a day-night game on 29 May and the 2nd India Test starting on 2 July.
Over 85 per cent of tickets have sold for the white ball clash against the Windies – with only limited tickets now left – while only Day 5 and premium experiences remain for the India Test.
Bethell said: “A lot can happen between now and then. Of course to play for England at my home stadium would be amazing. Hopefully selection goes my way and I’m in an England shirt but I’ll have to wait to see how the next few weeks and months pan out.
“But if not I’ll be straight on the phone to Ian Westwood as I’ll want to pull on a Bears shirt in the Blast and play in front of the Bears fans here.
“I love the Blast. Last year was probably the first time I showed my full potential in the comp and it was performances for both myself and Dan (Mousley) that led to our England call ups.
“It’s nice to be back at Edgy, back around the boys, everyone looks fresh after a good winter.
“I’ve been mainly in the gym working with physios and S&Cs (Strength & Conditioning coaches) but I’ll be back in the nets hitting soon and ramping up, grooving a few things before I head off to India.
“My hamstring is good now. It’s close to four weeks since I picked up the injury so I’ll be looking to start running soon as well, building up to the IPL. All is going well.”
Bethell has seized his England opportunity with confidence and has already hit seven 50s for despite only making his international debut last September.
“It was a bit of a surprise to be included in the New Zealand Test squad,” he added. “I didn’t know how near I was but I got the nod and it was good to get over there (to new Zealand) and put in some good performances.
“The thing you want to do is get straight in and make match impacts. I feel I’ve done that a few times already with England. There are still things I want to do better but the way it’s started with England has been great.”
Don’t miss the Bears in this year’s Vitality Blast. Super Early Bird tickets are on sale now for all Blast games at Edgbaston in 2025, with prices starting from just £10. But hurry, these prices will end at midnight on 31 March.
Blast is back! Super Early Bird tickets on sale now
It’s back and bigger than ever. With nine home match days and six double-headers, there’s something for everyone. Blast with the Bears, its the most fun in cricket.
Tickets, starting from just £10, at discounted Super Early Bird prices are on sale now for all games.
