England Eye Series Wrap in Gros Islet as Upbeat Bethell Eyes Maiden Ton
An experimental England side find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they aim to clinch the Twenty20 series against West Indies on Thursday at the Daren Sammy Stadium, named after the opposition coach.
The visitors, who have not won a bilateral T20 series containing more than two matches in over two years, arrived in Gros Islet with a 2-0 lead, and all-rounder Jacob Bethell is eager to wrap up the five-match campaign sooner rather than later.
“It would be nice to do it here for sure. From all reports, it’s a good batting wicket so hopefully there’s a few runs for all our batters and then bowlers can bowl well and defend,” said the 21-year-old, whose maiden international half-century played a key role in England taking the lead.
However, the Caribbean weather has posed a threat, with heavy rain lashing the outfield at the Daren Sammy Stadium. While England were able to practice on the middle pitch on Wednesday, the expansive outfield resembled a marsh, and further showers were expected overnight.
Bethell, who hails from Barbados, thrived in familiar conditions, scoring an unbeaten 58 off 36 balls in the previous match, with 150 of his family and friends cheering him on in the stands.
“For the stars to align and for me to play a pretty big part in that game was special,” he said, reflecting on the memorable homecoming.
As the spare batter on the upcoming Test tour of New Zealand, the youngster is now a broken finger or illness away from a potential debut, and he is eager to make the most of any opportunities that may arise.
“Just to be selected in the squad and be around the likes of Ben Stokes, Joe Root – watch Harry Brook go about his business more, I really enjoyed watching him in the summer – learning off them will be really good and if there is an opportunity to play at some point, I’ll be looking to take it with both hands,” he said.
While England may consider rotating their personnel, including resting record T20 wicket-taker Adil Rashid, the hosts are more likely to make changes, with Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Springer set to return to the squad.
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