English batter Jacob Bethell who made his Ashes debut earlier last week against Australia at the MCG in the fourth test credited his stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in coping up with pressure of such a big occasion.
The 22-year-old left-handed batter was a crucial part of the England’s consolation win in the fourth test as he scored a composed 40 in the chase. England chased down 175 on the second day of the test to record their win on the Australian shores after more than 14 years. They snapped an 18-match winless run on the Australian soil.
“I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess. But I’ve played over in India where it feels like there’s 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to get a win and contribute,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion… Definitely, just knowing what I’m able to get out of myself when the situation is like that and when the atmosphere is like that.
“I definitely had a lot more confidence coming into this game after playing in front of, I don’t know, 50,000 – which felt like 100,000 – at the Chinnaswamy.” Bethell played just two games for RCB in the last edition, producing a 55 off 33 against Chennai Super Kings in the second match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Bethell’s debut test turned to be one of the shortest test of the year with 20 wickets falling on the first day and 16 on the second day. Australia batted first and folded for 152 in the first innings. England’s response was poor as they were bundled for just 110 runs with Bethell scored just one run.
In the second innings, Australia was all out for 132 giving a target of 175 runs which England achieved after few hiccups.
Australia lead the series 3-1 after four test and the final test will be played in Sydney starting on 4th January.
