Bethell Embraces Long-Awaited SCG Milestone While Reflecting On IPL Path That Shaped Him

Jacob Bethell has long insisted that the decision to prioritise last season’s IPL was part of his growth, not a mistake. After finally reaching his maiden Test century at the SCG, his argument carries far more weight.

For Bethell, the IPL provided exposure, pressure, and lessons he felt he couldn’t pass up.

"I wouldn't say I gave it away at the IPL," he told Fox Cricket. "That experience I had over there was unbelievable… I came back a better cricketer."

From Unexpected Call-Up To Waiting In The Shadows

When he was first picked for England’s New Zealand tour in late 2024, the call surprised many. But as soon as he walked into the side, he handled the responsibility calmly.

Injuries reshaped England’s batting order and pushed him into the No. 3 role, where he returned three half-centuries. The management even considered keeping him there until timing worked against him.

His IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru clashed with the Zimbabwe Test, and Ollie Pope seized the vacancy with a commanding 171. That innings all but secured the position.

When Pope later made 108 against India at Headingley, Bethell stepped aside, spending weeks carrying drinks. He finally returned when Ben Stokes was injured at The Oval, but the lack of match time showed.

That could have been the turning point against him. 

His next real break came on Boxing Day at the MCG, where he top-scored with 40, setting up the platform for the moment that followed in Sydney. There, he ended day four unbeaten on 142, keeping England alive in the series.

Lessons In Patience And Readiness

Looking back, Bethell acknowledged how thin the margins can be at the International level.

"I had that on my radar and just was waiting for the opportunity to make sure I was ready. I had a little opportunity again through injury in the summer against India, and didn't take it, so it's nice to score some runs now."

Spending time on the sidelines, he said, became an unlikely benefit. Training sessions and Lions fixtures allowed him to quietly rediscover fluency.

"I actually wasn't batting that well at the start of the series, and then I played some cricket over here, played that Lions game, and throughout the month-and-a-half before playing, I actually felt my batting was in a better spot."

"No-one likes to sit on the sidelines. I was champing at the bit to get going, but I think the timing was pretty good."

The Century That Confirmed What Many Felt Was Inevitable

Before Sydney, Bethell had never made a first-class hundred. That had less to do with ability than circumstance. At Warwickshire, he often played lower down the order, and opportunities were scarce.

"It was always coming," Bethell said. "It's nice to get over the milestone, and it gave me a lot of confidence to keep doing it."

It took him eight balls to go from 99 to triple figures. When Beau Webster came on, Bethell danced down the track and lifted him into the leg side, easing some nerves.

"I was quite happy when they brought spin on rather than [Scott] Boland."

In the stands, his family shared the moment emotionally.

"I gave them a little thumbs up just to acknowledge them. It's pretty special.”