Jacob Bethell Signs ECB Contract; Joins RCB

Jacob Bethell has signed a two-year central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after an impressive Test debut against New Zealand, where he scored an unbeaten fifty and showcased his composure under pressure. Bethell, who was recently acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹2.6 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, expressed excitement over batting at number three and looks forward to learning from players like Virat Kohli. His debut has drawn comparisons to past greats, with analysts praising his temperament and potential for growth. Meanwhile, Jofra Archer's contract with the ECB has been extended to 2026, signaling his potential return to Test cricket despite past injuries. Archer is preparing for a comeback in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, showing renewed interest in representing England in the longer format.