When a young cricketer walks out to bat in front of more than 100,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, nerves are bound to follow. For England’s 22 years old Jacob Bethell, that moment arrived sooner than expected during the ongoing 2025–26 Ashes series. Yet, when the pressure peaked, Jacob Bethell found calm in an unlikely place, his brief but impactful experience in the Indian Premier League.
Jacob Bethell was handed a daunting task in the fourth Test in Australia. With Ollie Pope out of form, England pushed the youngster up to number three, asking him to face a hostile bowling attack on a lively pitch in front of a record crowd. His first innings ended quickly, as he was dismissed for just one run, sparking concern among former cricketers and pundits. Many questioned whether England had placed too much responsibility on a player who had not even played 30 first-class matches before being thrown into an Ashes Test.
However, Jacob Bethell responded with maturity in the second innings. Chasing a tricky target of 175 on a pace-friendly surface, he played a composed knock of 40 off 46 balls. His innings steadied England and played a key role in sealing a memorable win, shifting the narrative from doubt to admiration almost overnight.
Jacob Bethell later reflected on the moment, admitting the occasion initially felt overwhelming. But he also acknowledged that playing in India, especially for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, had prepared him for such high-pressure situations. According to him, the atmosphere at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, packed with tens of thousands of passionate fans, helped him understand how to manage nerves and extract the best from himself when stakes are high.
Even though he featured in only two IPL games, Jacob Bethell believes every experience mattered. Walking into the MCG, he felt better equipped to handle the crowd and expectations, drawing confidence from having played in front of similarly intense environments in Bengaluru.
Now, with the spotlight firmly on him, Jacob Bethell is keen to secure his place in England’s playing eleven. He has spoken about enjoying the challenge of batting at number three, where conditions can be unpredictable but opportunities are plenty. More than the position itself, Jacob Bethell’s focus is clear — contribute to wins and make himself indispensable to the team.
From early criticism to earned praise, Jacob Bethell’s Ashes story is already taking shape and a small chapter written in the IPL seems to have made all the difference.
