‘The way he took down Adam Zampa, not many can’ – Phil Salt praises Jacob Bethell after Cardiff heroics

Young cricket player Jacob Bethell made a brave play to assist the Three Lions win the second Twenty20 international match against Australia at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Friday, September 13. England’s acting captain Phil Salt praised Bethell for his bravery.

In the opening nine overs of the three-match series, the hosts lost three wickets for 79 runs while chasing a difficult 194 runs to tie the score.

Playing a fantastic knock, Liam Livingstone looked deadly, but he needed someone to hold him up. Playing in just his second international match, the 20-year-old Bethell raised his hand and helped England get into a strong position by partnering for 90 runs off just 47 balls.

 England included a number of new players, and Jacob Bethell was the first to stand out with his batting ability.

With four fours and three sixes in just 24 balls, the left-handed batter scored 44. England needed just 25 runs from 23 balls when he was removed in the 17th over, with six wickets remaining. Before making it home with seven balls remaining, the home team did lose three more wickets. In the 14th over, Bethell took the seasoned leg-spinner for 20 runs, earning accolades from his skipper for his particularly harsh treatment of Zampa.

“I’m very happy the boys came here and got right to it. We are aware of Australia’s superiority. “I’m incredibly happy for Jacob Bethell; he’s a great talent. Not many people can take down Adam Zampa the way he did. Salt commented after the match.

Marcus Trescothick, the temporary head coach of England, stated that he first saw Bethell’s potential while mentoring him as a teenager.

“I see a young player who is really talented and rising through the ranks. I’ve coached him a few times, back a few years, with the England Under-19s program, and every time I saw him, I knew he was going to be a big star,” Trescothick remarked.

Also Read: ‘Should have bowled him earlier’ – Travis Head muses on Liam Livingstone’s mayhem in Cardiff drubbing

With the series poised intriguingly at one game apiece, the decisive match is scheduled on Sunday, September 15, in Manchester.