England have released all-rounder Jacob Bethell and fast bowler Sam Cook from their 14-man squad for the first Test against India at Headingley, Leeds, after both players were left out of the starting XI. The pair will now return to the County Championship to stay sharp in red-ball cricket, with Bethell linking up with Warwickshire and Cook rejoining Essex.
Bethell, a 21-year-old left-hander, was in the running for the No. 3 batting spot but lost out to the in-form Ollie Pope. Fresh off a breakout Indian Premier League season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bethell had carried his momentum into England’s white-ball series against West Indies, scoring 82 in the first ODI and delivering quickfire knocks of 23* (23), 26 (10), and 36* (16) in the T20Is, helping England secure a 3-0 series win. Despite his strong case, Pope’s experience and a recent 171 off 166 balls against Zimbabwe last month earned him the nod. Bethell will now focus on maintaining his red-ball rhythm with Warwickshire, according to BBC reports.
Similarly, Sam Cook missed out on a place in the Test XI as England welcomed back Chris Woakes, who recovered from an ankle injury that had kept him out since December 2024. With Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue rounding out the pace attack, there was no room for Cook. The Essex seamer, who debuted in the Test against Zimbabwe earlier this year, struggled with figures of 1/119 in 31 overs.
Bethell, who burst onto the Test scene with three fifties in three matches against New Zealand in 2024, was a strong contender to face India but will have to wait for his opportunity. Cook, meanwhile, will aim to rediscover his form in domestic cricket to push for a recall.
The first Test kicked off today, June 20, with India making a strong start. Opting to bat first after Ben Stokes won the toss, the visitors reached 159/2 in 39 overs, entertaining a packed Headingley crowd under clear Leeds skies.
Both Bethell and Cook will look to make their mark in the County Championship, hoping to catch the selectors’ eyes for the remaining Tests in this blockbuster series.
