Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden says England batter Jacob Bethell has the skills for Test cricket after his 154 in the Sydney Test.
“Joe Root and Steve Smith, they epitomize modern Test cricket. They have the improvisation, they do have gears, but they’ve got the one skill that Bethell was able to show as well, and that is that they have a very simple technique,” Hayden told BBC Stumped.
“They cut, they pull, they play down the ground. They are able to absorb pressure and build pressure on opposition because they occupy the crease for a large period of time, because their temperament allows them to do it.
“I would imagine in the wash up to this series Harry Brook would go, gosh, I was several times in a position to be able to score Test match hundreds on reasonably good batting conditions but I failed to do so because I wasn’t able to keep my wicket in hand.
“The old adage, of being able to just occupy the crease and find a way through certain periods of time. Young Bethell showed us that beautifully in Sydney.”
Hayden, who played 103 Tests for Australia, also said he can’t see Travis Head wanting to move from opening the batting in Test cricket.
“He’s plugged a giant hole since David Warner as a more attacking opening batter. Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, you’ve got a more of a defensive type batting unit.
“It’s broken in and around Alex Carey, who had a fantastic series. But Travis is that offensive player.
“When Travis came out to open in Perth in that magnificent run chase, the England change room just about broke their neck looking over at who was going to replace Usman Khawaja. That to me says it all.
“He’s an impact player. He’s a player that people not only want to go watch but as an opposition player, they don’t want a bowl to.
“Travis Head, is absolutely on fire, and I can’t see him wanting to move. Can you?”