Jacob Bethell banned from bowling in T20 World Cup 2026

Jacob Bethell cannot bowl against Sri Lanka: England National Cricket Team has been drawn in Group 2 of the Super 8 stages. The Three Lions have lost just one game in the group stages against the West Indies. They have so far been good in the tournament, but have not played their best games. They will be facing Sri Lanka on Sunday, 22nd February at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.

Ahead of the game, the English side has been struck with a setback. All-rounder and unofficial vice-captain Jacob Bethell may be prevented from bowling owing to a hand injury that requires strapping. He was the star for England the last time they played the co-hosts a month back.

Jacob Bethell’s injury reduces options for England

The Sri Lankan pitches offer grip and spin from the pitches, which would have been suitable, as he could help with Bethell’s left-arm spin, which was an option to bowl in the middle overs. However, tournament rules leave that decision firmly in the hands of the umpires, whether he can bowl with a strapping on his bowling arm or not, reported DailyMail.

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Jacob Bethell picked up the injury during the group stage game against the West Indies and has been wearing protective tape since then. As per the rules of the tournament, any protection on the hand or fingers requires umpire approval, particularly if a player intends to bowl. However, only fielders are allowed to have strapping on their hands.

Also Read: Harry Brook admits England fear Pathum Nissanka

Can Jacob Bethell bowl with a tape in his hand?

If there is a tape in the bowling hand, bowlers face stricter scrutiny. As the tape might help them have extra grip or affect visibility for batters. Captain Harry Brook admitted that the regulation is unlikely to work for England. The Three Lions already made similar requests in recent matches against Scotland and Italy, but Jacob Bethell was not allowed to proceed.

England national cricket team clean-swept the Sri Lanka national cricket team 3-0 in a T20I series last month, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The spinners enjoyed excellent conditions and played a crucial role in the success of Harry Brook’s side. In the previous match, which was between Australia and Oman, it was very clear that the slower bowlers had assistance from the pitch.

England have only two frontline spinners in their side in the form of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, along with them, Will Jacks can be crucial as he might have to bowl more in Sri Lanka than he did in India. Sam Curran, whose cutters are very useful in these pitches, will be effective in the middle and death overs.

Rain to play a part in the Sri Lanka vs England game

Fans saw the first game between New Zealand and Pakistan being washed out due to rain; however, there are further concerns about the weather. There have been patches of rain in Pallekele, leaving some parts of the ground patchy and soft.

There are possibility that the match would be interrupted due to rain, and there can be a toss delay as well. To have a result, both teams must play at least five overs. However, England are prepared for a full match rather than concentrating on the rain.