BIRMINGHAM — Emerging England batsman Jacob Bethell has openly acknowledged the challenge ahead of him, stating that while he aspires to cement his place as England's number three, he has "a lot more to do" to make the position his own in the long term.
The 20-year-old Warwickshire left-hander, who has impressed for England Lions and in the domestic One-Day Cup, is widely seen as one of the country's most promising batting talents. His elegant strokeplay and composure at the crease have drawn comparisons to former England captain Alastair Cook. However, with the Test team's top order in a state of flux following the retirement of stalwarts, Bethell is under no illusions about the work required to graduate from prospect to permanent fixture.
The Vacant Shirt and the Weight of History
The number three position for England is one laden with history and expectation, a role previously occupied by legends like David Gower, Nasser Hussain, and more recently, Jonathan Trott. Since Trott's departure, it has been a problematic slot, with a carousel of players including Joe Root, Moeen Ali, and Dawid Malan trying and largely failing to provide long-term stability. The search for a reliable, long-term solution has become a persistent theme in English cricket's narrative.
Bethell, speaking after a prolific Lions tour of India earlier this year, was refreshingly candid about his ambitions and the current reality. "Of course, I want to be England's number three," he said. "It's the dream. But I look at the players ahead of me, the guys performing in the County Championship, and I know I'm not the finished article. I have to earn it, and that means scoring big runs consistently for Warwickshire first."
Building a Case: County Form and Lions Success
The 2023 season was a breakout one for Bethell in white-ball cricket, where his aggressive style flourished. However, he recognises that the ultimate test, and the path to the Test side, runs through the first-class game. His focus for the 2024 season is clear: translate his limited-overs fluency into substantial red-ball scores. His recent performances for the Lions, where he faced high-quality spin and pace in subcontinental conditions, provided a crucial learning curve.
Key areas Bethell has identified for his development include:
• Building bigger first-innings hundreds – moving from attractive sixties and seventies to match-defining double-centuries.
• Mastering different conditions – proving he can graft on seaming pitches at home as effectively as he attacks abroad.
• Mental resilience – navigating the pressure of expectation and converting starts into decisive contributions.
• Physical conditioning – ensuring his body can withstand the rigours of long Test match days.
England's red-ball coach, Brendon McCullum, and captain, Ben Stokes, have made no secret of their desire for a dynamic, positive top order. Bethell's natural attacking instincts align with the 'Bazball' philosophy, but the management has also stressed the non-negotiable need for solid technique and the ability to adapt to any game situation. "They want you to play your shots, but they want you to be smart," Bethell noted.
The Competition and the Road Ahead
Bethell is not the only young batsman in the frame. The likes of Hampshire's Nick Gubbins, who enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, and the experienced Ollie Pope, who may yet return to the number three role he has occupied before, provide stiff competition. Furthermore, the selectors have shown a willingness to look at players like Dan Lawrence and Harry Brook in various top-order roles, keeping the landscape highly competitive.
For Bethell, the immediate roadmap is straightforward. "My job is to put pressure on the selectors by making it impossible to ignore me," he stated. "That starts on day one of the County season. Every innings is an audition. I have to show I can defend stoutly when the ball is swinging, and I can cash in when it's flat. It's about proving my game is robust enough for the highest level."
A Mature Perspective Beyond His Years
What stands out about Bethell's comments is their maturity. Rather than expressing entitlement or frustration, he displays a clear-eyed understanding of the process. This grounded attitude is often cited by his coaches as one of his greatest strengths. He is actively seeking guidance from senior figures at Edgbaston, like former England batsman Ian Bell, who knows exactly what it takes to succeed in the international arena.
"I'm in a great environment at Warwickshire to learn," Bethell added. "The goal isn't just to get a cap; it's to have a long and successful career for England. That means laying the foundations now, working on the small parts of my game that might get exposed at Test level, and being patient. The opportunity will come if I'm ready for it."
Conclusion: A Promise to be Fulfilled
Jacob Bethell’s self-awareness is as promising as his cover drive. In admitting he has "more to do," he has publicly accepted the contract between potential and performance. The English cricketing public is eager for a new hero to claim the problematic number three jersey and make it their own. Bethell has the talent, the temperament, and now the clear plan to mount a serious claim.
The 2024 domestic season therefore becomes a critical chapter in his story. Every innings will be scrutinised not just for the runs, but for the manner in which they are compiled. If he can deliver on his own challenge—to build bigger, adapt better, and dominate consistently—the dream of becoming England's long-term number three may transition from a hopeful ambition into an inevitable reality.