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How IPL 2025 Gave Jacob Bethell the Nerve for His Ashes Debut at the MCG

England's Jacob Bethell directly credited his stint in the IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for equipping him to handle the intense pressure of his Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His composed 40 was crucial in England's chase, helping to end a long winless Test streak in Australia. Bethell explained that playing in front of massive, loud crowds in India gave him the confidence to perform on the grand Ashes stage. The young all-rounder also expressed his desire to nail down the number three batting position for England in the long term.

Key Points: Bethell: IPL 2025 Pressure Prepared Me for Ashes Debut at MCG

  • IPL experience builds big-match temperament
  • Composed debut innings in Ashes win
  • Aims to secure England's number three role
  • Credits crowd atmosphere for confidence boost
2 min read

Ashes: Bethell credits IPL 2025 experience for handling pressure of playing at MCG

England's Jacob Bethell credits his IPL 2025 experience with RCB for handling the pressure of his Ashes debut at a packed MCG, helping end England's winless streak.

"I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. - Jacob Bethell"

Melbourne, Dec 29

England's batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell said his stint in the Indian Premier League this year helped him cope with the pressure of making his Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where England won by four wickets in a two-day game.

Bethell, 22, came in for Ollie Pope and struck a composed 40 in England chasing down 175 to win the traditional Boxing Day match and end England's 18-match winless streak in Tests in Australia. He was a member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team winning IPL 2025 in Ahmedabad in June.

"I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess. But I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to get a win and contribute.

"The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion. Definitely, just knowing what I'm able to get out of myself when the situation is like that and when the atmosphere is like that. I definitely had a lot more confidence coming into this game after playing in front of, I don't know, 50,000 - which felt like 100,000 - at the Chinnaswamy," Bethell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Monday.

He also admitted to being a long-term contender for England's number three in Tests but conceded that he needs to do more to make the position his for a large period. "I like three. You come in when the ball is new and in some scenarios the ball's going all over the shop."

"But in other scenarios it presents opportunities to score when bowlers are trying to take wickets and the field is attacking there's loads of gaps. So it's a double-edged sword but I'm enjoying it. I would like to (nail down the role). I would like to just nail down any role in the team to be honest. If you're in the XI and contributing to winning I'm pretty happy with that," added Bethell.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, it's fascinating to see the IPL's global impact. It's creating a pipeline where international players develop skills in India that they then use against each other. Makes for a more competitive and exciting sport overall.
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Ananya R
Good for him, but let's be honest, playing two IPL games is a very small sample size. The real test is performing consistently in the long format. Hope he can back up this talk with more solid innings. The Ashes pressure is a different beast over five days.
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Vikram M
Chinnaswamy stadium mentioned! 🎉 The noise and energy there is unbelievable. If you can keep your cool there, you can handle most cricket grounds in the world. Proud that our league and our crowds are setting the standard for creating tough, match-ready players.
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Karthik V
Respectful criticism: While it's great he credits the IPL, I wish more Indian commentators and pundits would similarly acknowledge how much our players learn from overseas tours and leagues like the County Championship. It's a two-way street for development.
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Michael C
Interesting perspective. The IPL's intensity is unmatched. As an England fan, I'm just happy we finally won a Test down under! If the IPL helped a young player contribute to that, then all power to it. Hope he nails down that number 3 spot.

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