Switch Hit: All aboard the Bethell bus
England have picked uncapped Jacob Bethell at No. 3 for the first New Zealand Test. Alan Gardner is joined by Vithushan Ehantharajah, Andrew Miller and Matt Roller to preview the series
ESPNcricinfo staff
26-Nov-2024
Welcome to New Zealand: Ben Stokes gets stuck into the niceties at Hagley Oval • Getty Images
England have pitched up in New Zealand for their Test tour, but are already on to their third wicketkeeper - with Jordan Cox, deputising for Jamie Smith, injured in the nets. That, in turn, has led to a Test debut for Jacob Bethell, batting at No. 3 while Ollie Pope drops down the order with the gloves. Keeping up? Don't worry, this week's pod will help you out, as Alan Gardner speaks to Vithushan Ehantharajah in Christchurch and then discusses the latest Baz-call with Andrew Miller and Matt Roller. Is Bethell ready for his sudden promotion? Should Joe Root be doing the job at first drop? And are England getting too funky for their own good. All that, as well as their prospects for the series against a resurgent New Zealand.