Brendon McCullum has admitted Jacob Bethell has given England a selection dilemma and vice-captain Ollie Pope is fighting to keep his place.
Bethell made a strong first impression in the first Test series in New Zealand, hitting three stunning half-centuries in as many games, and the 21-year-old looks like a rising star by all accounts.
And while this is a huge positive for an England set-up focused on developing young talent, there could be some tricky decisions to be made next summer.
Bethell only got a chance to bat at number three after an injury to Jordan Cox left England short of a wicket-keeper, and Pope agreed to step in and take command.
But with Jamie Smith set to reclaim the gloves after giving birth to her first child, Bethell and Pope could compete for a spot next year.
choice headache
Captain Ben Stokes had previously said Pope would be straight back at three, a role in which he enjoyed sporadic highs and several sparse spells, but Bethell’s 50 not out and scores of 96 and 76 appear to have made things less certain.
“He’s definitely caused us a huge headache, but we’ve got a few months to sort out what we’re doing. It’s a good problem to have,” McCullum said.
“When we asked Beth, we weren’t sure if she would be able to play as a 3-year-old. But we saw his talent and he performed very well against a very good bowling line-up. He’s got a good class about him.
“He is very meticulous in his preparation and planning, which allows him to showcase his talent and creativity on the big stage. We are very happy with what he has achieved in this series and I think he has shown that international cricket is for him.
“Popey has done a really good job for us as well and with Beth being there as well, we can add some depth to our batting stock. It’s a good decision and we won’t make a decision in the next few days. “When we get back together in a few months, we will resolve all issues.”
Olly Pope
England will not want to let go of Pope after a year in charge, having led the team four times in Stokes’ absence. But his modest 2024 average of 33.13 makes him vulnerable.
Opener Zak Crawley finished the year on a bad note, averaging 27.80 over the last 12 months and scoring 8.66 against New Zealand.
He was sent off six times out of six by the relentless Matt Henry and showed signs that the pressure was getting on him in Hamilton, reacting with visibly irritated after being awarded lbw by referee Adrian Holdstock.
However, the faith in Crawley appears to be resolute and there is no suggestion that Bethell’s appearance will put him in danger.
“Zak was disappointed with the goals he scored on this trip, but he has our full confidence. He knows he will do his best to win our games,” McCullum said.
“He believes in himself absolutely. He just couldn’t get the rhythm right. He is still a big member of this side and will now have time to recharge.
“The last two people to hold that position are now Sirs (Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook), so it’s not an easy position to be number one in England.”
Coach for all formats
After two-and-a-half years in charge of the Test team, McCullum will begin work as England’s all-format coach in January. He has been tasked with revitalizing a lackluster white-ball side under Matthew Mott and it is a challenge he is ready to take on.
“I’m excited about it. “I initially took on testing work because it’s not often in life that you get to do something that puts meat on your bones,” he said.
“The talent we have in England is enormous. There’s something to work on there. If you do it right, you can achieve some pretty awesome results over the next few years.”
Read more: Take a look at how England are doing ahead of the Champions Trophy.
