Jacob

Bethell

Jacob Bethell Biography and Career

Jacob Bethell, a rising star in English cricket, is known for his fearless and aggressive approach on the field. His explosive left-handed batting, handy slow left-arm bowling and electric fielding make him a versatile all-rounder. His all-round ability makes him one of the few players who are capable of winning matches on their own.

Born and grew up in Barbados, West Indies, Bethell's cricketing journey started in the West Indies at a very young age. His father, Graham played for the Barbados team across various age groups so there were chances that he could have been playing his international cricket for West Indies. But, he earned a scholarship to Rugby School and he moved to England at the age of 13.  

After moving to England, Bethell quickly joined the youth ranks at Warwickshire, and signed pro terms at at the age of 17, in early 2021. He made his debut in the T20 Blast later that year and earned recognition as a member of the England Under-19 team that reached the World Cup final in early 2022. During the quarter-final against South Africa, he scored 88 runs off 42 balls.

He was selected by Welsh Fire for the 2022 season of The Hundred and moved to Birmingham Phoenix for the following season. He excelled in both the Blast and The Hundred, which led to him being selected for England's white-ball cricket.

By this time, Bethell had amazed cricket experts with his continued performance at this young age. Former Warwickshire captain and England cricketer Ian Bell described him as "the best 17-year-old player" he had ever seen.

Bethell's impressive performance in England's 2022 Under-19 World Cup campaign and consistent performances in domestic cricket brought him the day every cricketer wishes for. He earned his place in England's national team. His international debut for England came in 2024 when he was just 20. 

He made his international debut with a T20I game against Australia on September 11, 2024, followed by his ODI debut on September 19, 2024, and his Test debut against New Zealand on November 28, 2024. In his T20I debut series, he scored a crucial 44 runs off just 24 balls in his 2nd T20I game as England managed to defeat Australia. He continued to impress with a couple of match-winning performances in away games against the West Indies as well. In the fourth T20I game against the West Indies, he smashed his best score in T20I. On just 32 balls, he made an unbeaten 62 runs, including 4 fours and 5 sixes.

A defining moment was his debut Test match in Christchurch, where he smashed a half-century off 37 balls in the fourth innings, achieving the target and earning praise from commentator Nasser Hussain, calling him "the future of English cricket". This was the joint second-fastest debut Test half-century by an England batter. As of now, he has played just 3 Test, and in all the games he has performed really well. His best performance in a Test came on December 6, 2024, against New Zealand, when he scored 96 runs.

His best year to date is 2024, a year that marked his rapid rise in all formats of cricket, including half-centuries in England’s last three Tests and inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad. In 2024, he was also signed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 2.6 crore for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament as well as he made his Big Bash debut for the Melbourne Renegades.

Bethell's standout skill is his bold batting, especially against spin bowlers. In his second T20 International, he scored 20 runs in an over bowled by Adam Zampa, demonstrating his ability to dominate world-class bowlers. His left-arm spin bowling is not only economical but also adds depth to his all-round abilities, often breaking partnerships in domestic cricket. Moreover, his ability to change gears - scoring quick runs in T20 matches or extending the innings in Test matches - shows remarkable maturity for a 21-year-old.

Bethell's adaptability across formats and willingness to learn from senior players has accelerated his development. His inclusion in England's Test team without a first-class century - a rare feat - underlines his potential.

Beyond Cricket

Off the field, Jacob Bethell leads a balanced life, combining his cricket career with personal interests. He enjoys playing golf and has been seen at various courses in Warwickshire, using the sport as a way to unwind. Family plays a central role; his sporting heritage includes his father, who also played cricket, and his grandfather, Arthur Bethell, who was a first-class cricketer for Barbados. This background has instilled in him a strong competitive spirit.

He remains private about romantic relationships, focusing posts on cricket and travel. Bethell is an ambassador for local Warwickshire brands, promoting youth sports initiatives. His Instagram reels, showcasing trick shots or gym sessions, engage fans who admire his down-to-earth vibe. 

Bethel also has a great love for dogs, especially Great Danes. His Instagram and Facebook pages show that he loves spending time with his dogs, including a Great Dane.

Jacob Bethell Records

Jacob Bethell Test Records:

• Fastest Fifty on Debut: Scored a 37-ball fifty on Test debut against New Zealand in Christchurch, November 28, 2024, the quickest by an Englishman in a fourth-innings chase.
• Consecutive Half-Centuries: Smashed three half-centuries in each of England’s last three Tests in 2024, a rare feat for a debutant aged 21.

Jacob Bethell ODI Records:

• Debut Contribution: Scored 35 runs off 34 balls in his ODI debut against Australia, September 19, 2024, aiding a crucial partnership.

Jacob Bethell T20I Records:

• Youngest T20I Fifty for England: Scored a 22-ball fifty against West Indies on November 16, 2024, at 21 years and 17 days, breaking the previous record.
• Most Runs in an Over: Smashed 20 runs off Adam Zampa’s over in his second T20I, September 13, 2024, one of the highest against a top-tier spinner.

Jacob Bethell IPL Records:

• Third-youngest overseas player to score an IPL fifty: Bethell scored a 28-ball fifty against Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 IPL season, making him the third-youngest overseas player to achieve this feat (after Sam Curran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz).

Jacob Bethell Other Formats:

• Warwickshire Debut: Youngest Warwickshire player to score a T20 Blast fifty (2021) at 17 years and 241 days. He scored 50 runs in 15 balls.
• Scored 202 runs in the first innings of Rugby School’s annual two-day fixture against Marlborough College in 2021.