BETHELL OF A WEEK

A Test debut, hitting winning runs and a central contract... Jacob's had a remarkable seven days

- RORY DOLLARD

AS if hitting a maiden Test 50 and the winning runs on debut wasn't good enough, the red letter days just keep coming for Jacob Bethell.

His unplanned Test bow batting at No.3 in last week's series-opening win in Christchurch - he only came into consideration after Jordan Cox broke a thumb in practice - was a career-high.

But that was topped on the eve of the second Test when the 21-year-old was told he was keeping his place for Wellington against New Zealand as well as landing a two-year central contract.

Ollie Pope's temporary stint as stand-in wicketkeeper continues despite the arrival of Durham's Ollie Robinson as specialist cover.