England’s cricket team faced a significant selection decision ahead of their first Test match against India, set to begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds. The debate centered on whether to retain vice-captain Ollie Pope at the pivotal No. 3 batting position or to recall the promising 21-year-old Jacob Bethell. Captain Ben Stokes has now clarified the reasoning behind sticking with Pope, emphasizing the batter’s proven track record and recent form as key factors in the decision.
The choice was not without scrutiny, as Bethell had made a strong case during his debut series in New Zealand the previous winter. Batting at No. 3, Bethell scored half-centuries in all three Tests, averaging 52 and displaying a calm, technically sound approach that suggested a bright future. His absence from England’s recent Test against Zimbabwe, due to commitments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League, gave Pope the opportunity to reclaim his spot. Pope capitalized with a commanding 171, his seventh Test century at No. 3, in a dominant innings victory over Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May.
Stokes addressed the selection, stating that dropping Pope after such a performance would have been “remarkable.” He highlighted Pope’s average of over 43 at first drop since Stokes took over as captain in 2022, underscoring the batter’s ability to deliver when in form. Despite Pope’s inconsistency—his career has been marked by both brilliant hundreds and frequent low scores—his experience and recent 171 were deemed too significant to overlook. Stokes dismissed speculation about Bethell’s immediate inclusion as media-driven, saying, “The ‘big selection’ idea did not come from us. It would be remarkable to choose someone else if their last knock was a 170.”
The decision carries weight as England face a formidable Indian side in a five-match series, competing for the newly minted Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Pope’s historical struggles against India, where he averages just 24.6, add pressure to perform, especially against India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, known for targeting Pope’s vulnerability to deliveries pitched 7-8 meters from the stumps. Bethell’s potential inclusion was further tantalized by his left-arm spin, a valuable asset on the expected dry pitch at Headingley, but England opted for continuity with their established top order.
The team also sees the return of Chris Woakes, who missed recent Tests due to an ankle injury, and Brydon Carse, who will play his first home Test. The bowling attack, rounded out by Josh Tongue and spinner Shoaib Bashir, reflects England’s strategy to balance experience with emerging talent. Stokes, recently recovered from a hamstring injury, expressed confidence in his physical readiness and the team’s approach, emphasizing smarter play to counter India’s strengths.
While Bethell misses out on the starting XI, his presence in the squad keeps the pressure on Pope and the top order. With the Ashes looming later in 2025, this series is a defining moment for Stokes’ captaincy and England’s “Bazball” era. Pope now has the chance to repay the faith shown in him, while Bethell’s time, as Stokes hinted, is likely not far off.
