Explore the latest developments concerning The Ashes: Should.
The Ashes: Should England's Jacob Bethell have batted at No 3 or lower down the order in Melbourne?
Sky Sports' Michael Atherton says Jacob Bethell was on a "hiding to nothing" after returning to England side at No 3 after lack of red-ball cricket and in front of bumper crowd at MCG; Athers backs Harry Brook's counterpunching approach on 20-wicket Boxing Day in Melbourne
No 3 has been a problem position for England in The Ashes with Ollie Pope struggling for form and his replacement Jacob Bethell was dismissed for just one on a 20-wicket opening day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old did impress in that spot last winter in New Zealand, hitting three half-centuries in his maiden Test series, but has been so short of red-ball cricket of late.
'Giving him no chance': Jacob Bethell decision slammed by former England captain
England great Michael Vaughan has slammed the decision to push prodigy Jacob Bethell straight into the top-order for the Boxing Day Test.
The 22-year-old is one of the best young players in the country, but has limited first-class experience and has been brought into the national set-up mainly on potential.
Bethell had scored 271 runs at 39 in his handful of Test appearances prior to the Ashes, but was left out for the first three games when the series was on the line.
READ MORE: BBL star limps off as Aussies face nervous World Cup wait
READ MORE: Tubby: Boxing Day chaos 'not good Test match cricket'
SEJOY 3 In 1 Multifunction Mens Electric Shaver Powerful Beard Nose Hair Trimmer Shaving Machine Electric Razor Waterproof
Ashes 2025: Did England set up Jacob Bethell for failure at No.3 in Melbourne Test?
Former England captain Michael Atherton questioned the choice to have Jacob Bethell come in at No.3 for the Melbourne Test against Australia in the Ashes. The fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne placed the focus squarely on Bethell as he returned to England's side at No.3, a position under the spotlight due to England's ongoing search for stability at the top order. Bethell’s promotion came after limited opportunities in first-class cricket over the past year, having made just one County Championship appearance for Warwickshire last season.
He played the final fixture against India during the series earlier in the year and played for the England Lions, but Atherton feels that he was thrown into the deep end by being asked to go out with England at 7/1 in front of a loud MCG crowd.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning The Ashes: Should.