RCB star's debut vs India turns Ravichandran Ashwin ecstatic

Ahead of the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction about England’s rising sensation Jacob Bethell.

With Ben Stokes ruled out due to a shoulder injury, England recalled the 20-year-old all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, for the crucial final Test against India. And Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a stern warning to India that this young dynamite is no ordinary talent.

Ravichandran Ashwin warns India as he backs Jacob Bethell to steal the show at The Oval

Bethell, a stylish and explosive left-handed batter, has already shown flashes of brilliance in both the domestic and international arenas. But it was the Englishman’s recent IPL 2025 stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) that made him a household name among Indian fans.

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Now, Jacob Bethell is ready for the do-or-die Test match at The Oval, and Ashwin believes that the young gun could steal the show. The former Indian all-rounder called Bethell an exceptional talent and predicted that the world will see a new superstar in the final Test against India.

He’s an exceptional talent: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin said during a chat on his YouTube channel, “The cricketing world will get to see a new superstar in the 5th Test. I have no doubt he’ll become one—yes, I’m talking about Jacob Bethell. I truly believe he’s an exceptional talent.”

Bethell is not just a useful batter who can play at any position with the right mix of attack and defense, but he’s also a slow left-arm spinner who can break partnerships and take important wickets. Ashwin signed off by saying, “Brilliant with the bat and handy with his left-arm bowling.”

Ollie Pope to lead England in final Test against India

Meanwhile, England will miss their regular captain for the final Test, as Ben Stokes is out due to a shoulder injury. In his place, Ollie Pope, who is the vice-captain, will lead the team in the crucial final Test against India at The Oval, starting on Thursday, July 31.

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Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton are back in the playing XI after playing recent county matches to regain match fitness. Fast bowler Jofra Archer will also miss the fifth Test, as playing two Tests in a row was seen as too risky in his return from injury.

Young all-rounder Bethell will come at number 6, bringing in left-arm spin to fill the gap left by Liam Dawson. England has decided to go with four fast bowlers for the must-win Test against India. The hosts have already announced their playing XI for the final Test at The Oval.

Notably, England started the ongoing five-match Test series strong with a 5-wicket win at Headingley. But India bounced back in style with a massive 336-run victory at Edgbaston. The hosts then edged ahead again by winning the third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs. But the fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw, keeping the series wide and open for India at The Oval.