JACOB BETHELL has already shown the composure needed to cement a long-term spot in England’s Test top order, according to former captain Sir Alastair Cook.

After wicketkeeper Jordan Cox broke his thumb ahead of the series opener against New Zealand in Christchurch, 21-year-old Bethell was drafted in for an unplanned Test debut with Ollie Pope deputising behind the stumps.

Having made 10 in the first innings, Bethell crafted an unbeaten 50 from just 37 balls to help Ben Stokes’s side close out an impressive eight-wicket victory at Hagley Oval.