Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey

As Jacob Bethell struck a 52-ball 83 in a man of the match performance in the first ODI against West Indies, questions were rife as to how the left-hander could make his way into England’s Test team for the upcoming five-match series against India.

Of course, circumstances will be different batting in Test cricket compared to an ODI, but Bethell’s very promising start to his career means he is in contention. After his surprise selection for the Test tour of New Zealand last year, Bethell displayed good temperament and technique at number three, hitting 260 runs at an average of 52.

England’s first Test since that New Zealand series was against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge last week. Bethell was unavailable as he was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the time. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, whose positions are considered to be under the most threat, both hit centuries in an innings victory for the hosts.

However, it was captain Ben Stokes’ comments before the Zimbabwe Test that created speculation. “If you’re smart enough, the series that Beth had out in New Zealand, obviously he’s going to be back in the UK for that India series,” Stokes said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I think you put 2 and 2 together, you probably know what’s going to happen.

“You look at what Beth did in the winter for us, if you talk about nailing down a position, Beth has done himself the world of good by the performances he put in there with being part of our plans going forward.”

Following the Zimbabwe match and amid the outside noise, Stokes threw his support behind Pope, who had notched his eighth Test hundred. “He’s my vice-captain, and he’s been incredible for me at number three and the team,” Stokes said.

How do England fit Jacob Bethell into their Test XI? A look at 3 solutions

So what should England do if they wish to give Bethell first crack against India? Pope is the vice-captain, so his place is assured for now, despite his inconsistency at Test level. Here is a look at other options England could look to implement.

1. Drop Jamie Smith, shift Ollie Pope to 6 and keeper-batter

Jamie Smith is another player who has made a strong impression in his early days as an international cricketer. In his first seven home Tests, Smith has struck 491 runs at an average of 49.10 and strike rate of 74.28, giving England extra impetus down the order. So, leaving him out would be harsh.

However, if England are looking to get Bethell in while keeping Pope in the XI, Smith may need to make way. Smith missing the New Zealand tour last year due to the birth of his child, plus Jordan Cox’s subsequent injury, paved the way for Pope to take the gloves and Bethell to bat at three.

Batting at six, Pope struck two half-centuries in three Tests, totaling 194 runs at 38.80.

2. Leave Shoaib Bashir out, play Jacob Bethell as main spinner

This option is unlikely and will only take place if conditions are heavily favoured towards the seamers. However, conditions in England have been quite good for batting in recent years, especially since Brendon McCullum’s arrival as coach. Plus, spinners often have a say later in games on dry pitches.

Also, Bashir won player of the match against Zimbabwe, taking figures of 3/62 and 6/81 while getting the ball to spin appreciably off the Trent Bridge surface. Bashir is a player England are invested in, and the experience against India will be invaluable for him.

3. Drop Zak Crawley, shift either Bethell or Pope to open

This also seems unlikely. Firstly, England have backed Zak Crawley time and again, and will surely continue to do so after his century against Zimbabwe. Secondly, both Bethell and Pope in the top three gives England less experience at the top. This could prove costly against Bumrah and co.

So, the dilemma is real. If England wish to bring Bethell back into their Test XI, there are some pieces of the puzzle that need to be moved around.

For the sake of balance and rewarding those who performed well in the recent Test, Bethell may have to bide his time a little. Time will tell.