It’s not quite how Bethell envisaged learning of the latest chapter in his rapid rise in the game following his arrival in the UK from Barbados as a 13-year-old schoolboy.
“It was all a bit unreal,” said the 20-year-old, who’s been picked for both the IT20 and ODI white ball squads next month against Australia.
“I’d had a lie-in and was making lunch when the call came through from Marcus Trescothick (England coach). There had been some speculation I might be included but didn’t want to get my hopes up until it was concrete.
“It’s flattering to have people with high standings in the game, top calibre cricketers speak highly of me and to mention me in England circles. Hopefully, I can go out in an England shirt, put in some good performances and show it’s deserved.”
Bethell joined Warwickshire’s Youth Pathway at Under-14s and quickly progressed into the Emerging Player Programme and Academy before signing as a 17-year-old in 2021.
He starred as part of the England Under-19 team that reached the World Cup final in 2022 – hitting 88 from 42 balls in the Quarter-Final against South Africa – and the following year made two half-centuries on the England Lions tour of Sri Lanka.
The all-rounder – who made his Bears debut in June 2021 and has gone on to play 63 times for Warwickshire in all formats – feels he’s now ready to test himself at the highest level.
He added: "I had a bit of a reset last winter. I took a couple of months off before Christmas, to get my body sorted, a bit of a revamp of my game, and it definitely helped.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work since and it’s paid off. Hopefully, it’s just the start.
“Growing up I’ve always looked at England squads when they’re announced on social media, England posts on Instagram with Jos Buttler on the cover. He’s on the cover again…only this time my name is there as well.
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