England selector Luke Wright emphasized that scoring runs remains the key factor in determining selection, as decisions loom over the batting line-up for the high-profile Test series against India and Australia later this year.
Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have been retained for the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, but both may need strong performances to secure their places long-term. Jacob Bethell, who stood out during his debut series against New Zealand, is currently unavailable due to Indian Premier League commitments but could be a contender once back in the frame.
“In international cricket, there’s always external scrutiny,” Wright noted. “This situation is no exception. I’m confident both players will perform in sports. When they’re in form, the team benefits.”
He added, “Runs are what matter most. Every batter knows that—it’s how they make their case.”
Bethell, a 21-year-old left-hander, impressed during England’s tour of New Zealand in December, posting half-centuries in all three Tests while unexpectedly stepping into the number three position. Though he will miss the Zimbabwe Test, Wright commended his potential and versatility, highlighting not only his left-arm spin but also the value of opening the batting alongside Indian legend Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
With a five-Test series against India starting in June, England may have to make tough choices. If Bethell is to be included, Crawley or Pope would be the most likely to make way. Jordan Cox is also in the squad for the Trent Bridge Test, and Wright also mentioned Ben McKinney of Durham as a potential future candidate.
Pope, currently batting in the position where Bethell thrived, may be the most under pressure despite being the team’s vice-captain.
The Surrey batter experienced a turbulent 2024, both in performance and role. He took on various responsibilities—captaincy, wicketkeeping, opening, and batting at number six. While he delivered a memorable 196 to secure victory over India in Hyderabad, he finished the year with a batting average of 33.13—the lowest for any player with three centuries in a calendar year.
On a more positive note, Pope has already scored a century in the County Championship this season, offering some form of reassurance. In contrast, Crawley has struggled significantly. During the series in New Zealand, he was repeatedly troubled by Matt Henry and ended with an average of just 8.66—the lowest ever for an England opener who batted in at least six innings of a series.
Crawley’s domestic form has also been concerning; he has yet to reach double figures in any of his four first innings for Kent and was dismissed for just six against Middlesex at Lord’s last Friday.
Nonetheless, England’s management continues to reference Crawley’s past success against top sides like India and Australia. Wright said, “Opening the batting at the international level is incredibly demanding. Few players maintain consistency without dips in form. We want to remain loyal to those who have delivered in big moments. On his day, he’s as good as anyone. While the last six months have been tough for him, that doesn’t rule out a strong summer.”
In the bowling department, uncapped Essex pacer Sam Cook has been included in a relatively inexperienced pace attack for the Zimbabwe match, following injuries to several front-line seamers.
Although Surrey's Dan Worrall recently became eligible to represent England, Wright confirmed that selectors had not yet approached the Australian-born quick, who previously played three ODIs for Australia.
Meanwhile, Wright shared promising news about Ben Stokes, suggesting that the all-rounder could play a full role after recovering from hamstring surgery.
“We need to be cautious not to overload him too quickly,” Wright said. “He naturally wants to get fully involved, so we’ll manage his workload carefully to avoid setbacks.”
As Stokes works on his bowling fitness in preparation for the India series, he may feature in an England Lions fixture against India A at the end of May or beginning of June.
Jofra Archer could also be part of that Lions setup as he continues his return from long-term injuries. Currently playing in the IPL, Archer’s participation in a red-ball game for the Lions would mark his first such outing in over four years. However, this would likely mean missing some of the white-ball matches against the West Indies scheduled after the Zimbabwe Test.
“We’re working week-by-week with Jofra,” Wright explained. “He’s progressing well, and we’re eager to reintroduce him to red-ball and Test cricket. One of those Lions games could be ideal. If we can time that with the white-ball series against the West Indies, it would be a perfect fit. That’s very much part of our plan.”
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