Jacob Bethell records his career-best innings returns in Tests: Stats
What's the story
New Zealand racked up a substantial 391 (96.2 overs) in the second Test against England at The Oval. The Kiwis, who were 280/7 at one stage, rode on a counter-attacking ton from Glenn Phillips on Day 2. Bethell gave NZ twin blows in the form of Tom Blundell and Nathan Smith before stumps on Day 1. Here are the key stats.
Spell
The pick of NZ's bowlers
Bethell was the pick of NZ's bowlers in the first innings, taking 3/26 in 10 overs. After dismissing Blundell and Smith on the first evening, he broke the crucial stand between Phillips (51) and Kyle Jamieson (4). The duo added 87 runs off just 95 balls. The left-arm spinner knocked over Jamieson for 41 (48).
Numbers
A look at his numbers
As mentioned, Bethell's 3/26 are now his best innings returns in Tests. His previous best was 3/72. Bethell, who made his Test debut in 2024, now has seven wickets from eight Tests at 26.85. Overall, he has taken 17 wickets in red-ball cricket. Bethell also has nearly 500 Test runs with the bat, including a ton.