Jacob Bethell called up for England Test tour of New Zealand

England have called up uncapped spin bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell for the Test tour of New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith misses out due to paternity leave.
Barbados-born Bethell, who made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia last month, has only featured in 20 first-class matches and has a modest batting average of 25.44, without a professional century.
We have named our 16-player men’s squad for our series with @BlackCaps 🏏#NZvENG | #EnglandCricket
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 29, 2024
However, England have opted for another left-field selection to cover for Smith, who will miss the three-match series which starts on November 28 in Christchurch to be at the birth of his first child.