Jacob Bethell will continue at No. 3 after England announced an unchanged XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve.Victory in Christchurch by eight wickets was rounded out by a maiden half-century from Bethell.

England newcomer Jacob Bethell received a double dose of good news on Wednesday, keeping his place for the second Test against New Zealand and landing a two-year central contract. Bethell made an unplanned Test debut in last week's series-opening win in Christchurch - only coming into consideration after Jordan Cox broke a thumb in practice - and ended the match with an ebullient,

England batter Jacob Bethell has been awarded a central contract upgrade, signing a two-year extension until September 2026, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Wednesday.

Jacob Bethell will remain in the England side for the second Test against New Zealand and has also been handed an improved central contract by the ECB.

Jacob Bethell drew parallels to Kevin Pietersen and Brian Lara in his maiden Test half-century against New Zealand

England newcomer Jacob Bethell received a double dose of good news on Wednesday, keeping his place for the second Test against New Zealand and landing a two-year central contract. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain and Ian Smith all felt impressed with Jacob Bethells England Test debut against New Zealand with his composure despite his age at 21.