Jacob Bethell will represent England for the first time at his home ground after being named in the XI to face West Indies in the day/night ODI at Edgbaston.
The Bears all-rounder features in Harry Brook’s first game as England’s white ball Captain and said he will be “immensely proud” to represent his country at the stadium he affectionately refers to as his “HQ”.
Bethell has made 22 appearances for England in all formats since making his debut in the white ball series against Australia last September.
He said tomorrow’s game will have extra significance and be an emotional occasion – but that he’s focused on the job in hand as England look to get off to a good start in the first of three Metro Bank ODIs.
“It’ll definitely be a proud moment walking out in front of the Edgbaston crowd,” added Bethell. “I’ve progressed through the different stages of my career at Edgbaston so it’s nice to now play for England here.
“But at the end of the day the opposition don’t care how much it means to you, they’re focused on their jobs so I have to do the same. Once you get out there on the field it just takes care of itself.”
Only a limited tickets remain for the eagerly-awaited game in the Eric Hollies and Upper West Stands. Bethell has hit two half centuries in eight ODIs to date and said he hopes to put on a good performance for Bears fans and friends at Edgbaston.
“I’ve had messages from a few people telling me they will be coming along to watch me,” said the 21-year-old, “including my old school coach and a few others.
“It’s exciting. And I made sure I got in early to claim my Bears locker for the game!
“I feel comfortable in the England side. I wouldn’t say established, I’ve still got a long way to go in terms of performances to do that. But I’ve felt comfortable with England since setting foot in the camp, it helped that I had a few mates in the team.
Adil Rashid also features in the starting XI, and is set to make his 150th ODI appearance for the Three Lions, while Jamie Smith is set to open the batting with Ben Duckett.
England Men's ODI XI
Ben DuckettJamie SmithJoe RootHarry Brook (C)Jos Buttler (WK)Jacob BethellWill JacksJamie OvertonBrydon CarseSaqib MahmoodAdil Rashid
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