Bethell’s Record Opening Partnership Powers England’s Series-Decider Dominance
Jacob Bethell came agonisingly close to a century, compiling 91 runs from 93 deliveries whilst forging a record-breaking opening partnership of 192 with Ben Duckett in England's third One Day International against India at Lord's. His aggressive batting display, punctuated by several impressive strokes, established a commanding platform for his team's innings in this series-deciding encounter.
England capitalised on their rapid start through the opening pair, with Bethell's dismissal finally yielding India their first breakthrough of the day. The strong foundation laid by the hosts' opening stand positioned them well as they sought to secure the series victory at the home of cricket.
- Bethell scored 91 in record 192-run opening partnership with Duckett
- England dominated early stages of series-deciding third ODI at Lord's
- Bethell's aggressive innings fell one short of maiden ODI century
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Jacob Bethell is a young England batter who has quickly become a fixture in the side's white-ball plans. England and India are playing a three-match One Day International series, with the two teams level heading into this final game at Lord's, cricket's most famous ground in London, making it a straight shootout for the series win.
Ben Duckett is England's regular opening batter, and the pairing of him with Bethell at the top of the innings is a relatively new combination that selectors have been assessing. How an opening pair performs matters because a strong start sets the tone and platform for the rest of the innings, giving the following batters more freedom to play aggressively.
Coverage
- BBC Sport — No ODI century but Bethell helps England to stunning start
- BBC Sport — ‘The end of an outstanding partnership’ – Bethell departs for 91