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Bethell comments 'twisted to suit agenda' - Stokes

Pope valuable to me - Stokes

Stephan Shemilt
Chief Cricket Reporter at Trent Bridge

Captain Ben Stokes said his comments about an immediate return to the England team for Jacob Bethell were "twisted to suit an agenda".

On Wednesday, the eve of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Stokes appeared to hint Bethell would come back for the series against India later in the summer by saying: "You put two and two together, you probably know what's going to happen."

Any return for Bethell would probably be at the expense of Ollie Pope, who made a majestic 171 as England beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs.

After victory was sealed on Saturday, Stokes told BBC Sport's Today at the Test: "That was written to suit an agenda that was being said away from what is in the team.

"I got asked a pretty simple question about Beth. I said put two and two together and he comes back into the squad. But it is unfortunate that you say something and it can get twisted to suit an agenda.

"I made it very clear to Popey the night before this Test that is not the case."

Bethell, 21, made three half-centuries batting at number three in his debut series against New Zealand before Christmas but missed the match against Zimbabwe because he is playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Indian Premier League (IPL).

What was said on Wednesday?

In a briefing for the written press on Wednesday, Stokes was asked: "What was the chat with Jacob Bethell? He is the incumbent number three and made a really positive start in New Zealand. He's not here because of the IPL. What's the expectation around him? Does he come straight back in for India">