ENG v NZ 2026: Jacob Bethell in line to play Lord’s Test after leaving RCB camp through finger injury

England batter Jacob Bethell is expected to feature in the first Test match of the home summer against New Zealand, which commences from June 4 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This comes after the left-handed batter returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to undergo treatment on his injured finger. 

England’s medical staff is currently monitoring Bethell. However, reports suggest the injury is not too serious, with the Warwickshire youngster expected to start the first Test match next week.

“Following a review of Jacob Bethell’s left ring finger injury, he will continue to be monitored in the lead-up to the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand, starting on Thursday June 4 at Lord’s, and he is expected to be fit to play in the match,” an ECB statement read. 

Bethell had formed part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad that finished at the top of the standings. The opening batter, however, left the camp before the playoff and hence did not feature during the defending champions’ victory in Qualifier 1 against the Gujarat Titans. Since he is already back in England, the 22-year-old will also not take part in the showpiece final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.

Should Bethell be available for selection for the first Test match against New Zealand, the left-hander would slot in at number three in the batting order. He has cemented his place in the side after scoring an outstanding 154 in the fifth Ashes Test match in Sydney earlier this year. 

England, meanwhile, have got replacements within the squad who can take Bethell’s place if he is not available for selection. Somerset’s James Rew could be in line to make his international debut and replace the RCB player in the lineup after a stellar start to the 2026 County Championship, where he has scored 478 runs from six matches.

Bethell missed the opening Test match of the international summer against Zimbabwe last year due to his IPL commitments. The all-rounder, however, is now in line to play in all six Tests on home soil, which includes three against New Zealand and the same number against Pakistan later in August. 

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