Ashes: Jacob Bethell Misses Opportunity as England Lions Secure Pink-Ball Victory Over PM XI
CANBERRA – England Lions batsman Jacob Bethell failed to capitalize on a favorable batting pitch, falling for a low score against a largely inexperienced Prime Minister’s XI attack in a pink-ball warm-up match ahead of the second Ashes Test. despite Bethell’s dismissal, the England Lions secured a win, offering valuable match practice for players vying for a spot in the Test squad.
The match, played in a relaxed atmosphere, provided a low-intensity preparation environment compared to the expected intensity of the upcoming Test at the Gabba. The PM XI bowling lineup, aside from 41-year-old veteran peter Siddle, lacked important first-class experience, with the remaining four pace bowlers collectively claiming just six first-class wickets prior to the match. Conditions also differed considerably from those anticipated in Brisbane, with temperatures reaching only 12 degrees Celsius at the match’s conclusion.
England seamer George Tongue enjoyed a productive day with the ball, delivering 16 controlled overs at a good pace, though he finished wicketless despite two catches being dropped off his bowling.
Bethell began his innings confidently,striking two boundaries off Siddle – a cut shot through backward point and a guided drive to deep third. However, he was dismissed after pushing at a delivery outside off-stump from left-arm pace bowler Campbell Thompson, edging a low catch to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.
Since departing the UK in early November,Bethell has only passed fifty once in nine innings across all formats of the game. The upcoming second Test is also scheduled to be a pink-ball match, but the value of this warm-up for England’s Test batters remains questionable given the stark contrast in conditions and opposition quality.
