Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Dinesh Karthik has backed England to play Jacob Bethell ahead of Ollie Pope in the third Test match against India. Karthik observed Bethell from close quarters as a mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025.

Karthik also admitted it would be unfair on Pope as the England vice-captain scored a century in the opening Test of the series. Pope had also scored 171 runs against Zimbabwe at Nottingham.

Meanwhile, Bethell has scored 260 runs in his young Test career of three matches at an average of 52 and Karthik said the 21-year-old youngster is the one to watch out for.

Dinesh Karthik said on Sky Sports, “I am a bit biased. I would pick him [Bethell] at No. 3. At this point of time, I’d pick him ahead of Ollie Pope. The fact is that if you are an England selector and coach, it’s unfair to Pope. He got a hundred in the last game. But if you look at the long run, it would be interesting to see where Bethell and Pope finish. I feel, along with Harry Brook, he is probably the big one to watch out for.”

Karthik said Bethell can bat anywhere in the batting order for England and said he is a fast learner.

“You can almost bat him anywhere. Three to seven, he is ready. In IPL, we have picked him in such a way that he gives us flexibility to bat – opening, three and even middle of the order and finisher. What I really liked about him is his ability to understand, absorb information and quickly transfer it to his game.”

Meanwhile, Pope was dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings of the second Test against India. The flamboyant batter could only manage 24 runs in the second dig. He was dismissed by Akash Deep in both innings.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Lord’s, London from 10th July onwards.