Risk of stifling Bethell development - Vaughan

MICHAEL Vaughan is concerned by England’s handling of Jacob Bethell, stressing the risk of stifling his development with too much “pressure and expectation”.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

Bethell was one of many England players who failed to deliver as South Africa romped to a dominant victory in the first Metro Bank ODI at Headingley.

The highly-rated 21-year-old lasted just two deliveries, nicking Keshav Maharaj to slip via deflection off the wicketkeeper and struggled in his previous international outing in the final Test of the India series.

Pitched into the side on the back of just one first-class appearance all season, the Warwickshire player was dismissed for six and five and looked understandably short of rhythm.

Despite that, England have entrusted him with extra responsibility by naming him as captain for the T20 series in Ireland later this month - the youngest man ever to do the job.