England expect Bethell to be fit for New Zealand opener / Photo: Sajjad HUSSAIN - AFP
England expect Bethell to be fit for New Zealand opener
England said Wednesday they expect Jacob Bethell to be fit for next week's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's after the top-order batsman suffered a finger injury playing in the Indian Premier League.
The left ring finger injury prompted the 22-year-old to cut short his IPL campaign with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and return to the UK after scoring 96 runs in seven matches.
Bethell's fitness setback came less than a fortnight before the start of the New Zealand series, which begins on June 4.
The left-hander was set to bat at number three after he struck a brilliant 154 against Australia at Sydney in January -- a rare England highlight during their 4-1 Ashes series loss.
But an England and Wales Cricket Board statement issued Wednesday suggested Bethell, also a left-arm spinner, would be fit for the first of a three-Test campaign.
"He will continue to be monitored in the lead-up to the first Test against New Zealand," said the ECB. "He is expected to be fit to play in the match."
G.Beary--IP
