Jacob Bethell says he should have 'played more' in 2025

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell said he "probably should have played a bit more" during a testing first home summer in international cricket, reflecting on a run of limited game time that has prompted questions about his management.

The 21-year-old, who impressed in his first Test series last winter, has largely been a bit-part player this summer. Bethell missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe because he was at the Indian Premier League, lost his place in England's Test XI and served as the spare batter across the first four Tests against India before being called into the side for the fifth match. He then played only one County Championship match for Warwickshire in the intervening period.

"If I'm honest, when I wasn't playing in those Tests, I should probably have played a bit more [in domestic cricket]," Bethell told Sky Sports. "But I'll take that on and learn from it. I've got a lot of cricket ahead now so maybe that gap was quite nice for me."

Across all formats this summer Bethell faced 387 balls, compared with 1,480 in 2024, a disparity cited by observers as evidence that England could have managed his workload differently. When he returned to Test action against India he appeared out of form, scoring six and five in his two innings. He then took part in The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix before rejoining England for the one-day international series against South Africa.

In England's opening ODI at Headingley Bethell was dismissed for one, but he recovered to score 58 off 40 balls in the second match at Lord's after being sent up the order to number four. "I really enjoyed it," Bethell said of the promotion. "It wasn't pre-planned up until a few minutes before. They had two left-arm spinners so it was my job as a left-hander to go out and show a bit of intent against them but it ended up being the off-spinner I felt was easiest to play. But it was a bit of a show to try and push the game on a bit."

England management have earlier spoken about balancing player workloads across international and franchise calendars. Bethell's summer highlights the tension faced by young players who move between domestic, franchise and international commitments.

Bethell is due to lead an under-strength England squad in Ireland later this month, which will make him the country's youngest captain. He said the experience of mixed form and limited minutes will be something he carries forward as he continues his development.

Selectors and coaches will monitor his performances as he transitions into leadership duties and seeks to build consistency after a season of sporadic appearances. Bethell's comments add to a broader conversation in English cricket about giving emerging players regular match time to maintain form and confidence.