Christchurch: Jacob Bethell will bat at number three on his Test debut in England’s series opener against New Zealand in Christchurch
Bethell plays after wicketkeeper Jordan Cox was ruled out with a broken thumb.
As a result, regular number three Ollie Pope takes the gloves and slides down the order to number six, with captain Ben Stokes at seven.
Warwickshire left-hander Bethell has impressed in white-ball cricket for England, but was a surprise selection for this tour.
Joe Root, England’s all-time leading Test runscorer, told BBC Sport: “The way his game sets up suits Test cricket. I’m really looking forward to watching him go out there and play. It’s a really exciting time for him.”
Root’s father Matt and Bethell’s father Graham were team-mates in club cricket for Sheffield Collegiate.
“I’ve known him and his family for a long time,” said Root. “I saw him play when he was 11 or 12 years old and I could tell then he was already a very accomplished player. It’s been really pleasing seeing him grow up, make his way at Warwickshire, then more recently in the white-ball stuff show everyone what a brilliant player he is.”