As England prepare for a must-win third Test against India, former Indian cricketer and Sky Sports expert Dinesh Karthik has stirred the pot.
Karthik Advise suggested England should consider replacing Ollie Pope with young gun Jacob Bethell at No. 3—a move that could shake up the series.
“I’d Pick Bethell Over Pope” – Karthik’s Bold Take
Dinesh Karthik, never one to shy away from a strong opinion, shared his thoughts on England’s middle-order struggles. “I am a bit biased,” he admitted with a smile, “but at this point in time, I’d pick Bethell ahead of Ollie Pope.”
While Pope smashed a brilliant 106 in the first Test, his form dipped in the second, managing only 0 and 24. With the series slipping away, Karthik believes it’s time England took a bold step.
Who is Jacob Bethell?
For those not following county cricket closely, Jacob Bethell is a 21-year-old left-hander known for his aggressive strokeplay and versatility. He’s impressed for Warwickshire and the England Lions and even turned heads in the IPL earlier this year with fearless performances under pressure.
Karthik believes Bethell’s confidence and flair could inject new energy into England’s shaky batting lineup. “He’s played in big leagues, under big lights. He won’t be overwhelmed,” he added.
What Could England’s New Line-Up Look Like?
Here’s what a refreshed England XI might look like if they go bold:
| Position | Player | Change/Comment |
|---|---|---|
| No. 3 | Jacob Bethell | Replaces Pope for fresh energy |
| Opening Pair | Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett | Unchanged |
| Middle Order | Root, Brook, Stokes | Under pressure to deliver |
| Bowling Unit | Atkinson, Archer, Bashir | Possible return of Topley |
