Bethell Defends IPL Stint as Cook Urges County Return
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- Bethell has missed six IPL matches, watching from the sidelines as coach Andy Flower selects other overseas players.
- Cook urged Bethell to return to Warwickshire, saying he’s “sitting on his a* not doing anything” at the IPL.
- Flower preferred Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd and Josh Hazlewood for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru overseas slots.
- Bethell scored 105 in the T20 World Cup semi‑final against India in March, his most recent competitive innings.
- Warwickshire could benefit from Bethell’s return, as his recent Test century in Sydney (January) shows his form.
Why it matters: Warwickshire gains Bethell's services; Bethell loses six IPL matches, limiting his exposure and potentially weakening England's batting bench, and reduces his match‑sharpness ahead of the upcoming county season, which affects England's selection choices.
