Ollie Pope's England future is in doubt after Jacob Bethell's impressive start at No 3... as Brendon McCullum heaps praise on the 21-year-old 'talent'
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Ollie Pope could pay the price for an inconsistent year following the emergence of Jacob Bethell during England’s 2-1 win in New Zealand. Head coach Brendon McCullum turned down the chance to confirm Pope would return to No 3 when the Test team reconvene in May, and instead sang the praises of Bethell, who averaged 52 from Pope’s old position – despite never having batted above No 4 even for Warwickshire.
![[Jacob Bethell, 21, has impressed at No 3 and averaged 52 in Pope's old batting position so far]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93271449-14205555-image-a-16_1734522971361.jpg)
‘Nice player, ain’t he?’ said McCullum. ‘He has a nice bit of class about him. It feels like he has been in the team for three or four years. He is a calm and mature young fella. We can’t be more happy with him after what he has achieved in this series, and I think he has shown that international cricket is for him.’.
![[England coach Brendon McCullum heaped praise on Bethell, labelling him 'calm and mature']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93271475-14205555-image-a-17_1734523022105.jpg)
Asked whether Pope, who kept wicket in New Zealand and batted at No 6, would resume his role at first drop when Jamie Smith reclaims the gloves in 2025, McCullum replied: ‘Look, it is a good problem to have. ‘We were all a little unsure whether Beth could play at three, but we saw the talent in him and he has performed very well against a very good bowling line-up.
![[Ben Stokes' side won their three-Test tour of New Zealand 2-1, despite losing the final match]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/11/93271547-14205555-image-a-19_1734523152467.jpg)
‘Popey has done really well for us, and to now have Beth there as well, you are adding some depth to your batting stocks. They are good decisions to have, and we will not make them in the next few days. When we get together again in a few months’ time, we will work all that stuff out.’.
