Jacob Bethel may not bowl against Sri Lanka: The England national cricket team has been drawn into Group 2 of the Super 8 stages. The Three Lions have lost just one game in the group stage, against West Indies. They have performed well in the tournament so far, but have not been able to play their best game. They will take on Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Sunday, February 22..
Before the match, the English team has suffered a huge blow. All-rounder and unofficial vice-captain Jacob Bethel may be prevented from bowling due to a hand injury that requires strapping. He was the star for England when he last played alongside the co-hosts a month ago.
Jacob Bethel’s injury has reduced options for England
The Sri Lankan pitches offer grip and spin, which would have been appropriate, as he could have helped Bethel’s left-arm spin, which was an option to bowl in the middle overs. However, as DailyMail reports, tournament rules leave the decision firmly in the hands of the umpires as to whether or not he can bowl with his bowling arm bandaged.
Jacob Bethel suffered the injury during the group stage game against West Indies and has been wearing protective tape since then. According to tournament rules, any protection on the hands or fingers requires the umpire’s approval, especially if a player wishes to bowl. However, only fielders are allowed to have bandages on their hands.
Also read: Harry Brook admits England are afraid of Pathum Nissanka
Can Jacob Bethel bowl with tape in his hand?
If the bowling hand is taped, bowlers face tight scrutiny. As the tape may help them gain extra grip or may affect the visibility of the batsmen. Captain Harry Brook acknowledged that this regulation was unlikely to work for England. The Three Lions had already made a similar request in recent matches against Scotland and Italy, but Jacob Bethell was not given permission to proceed.
The England national cricket team whitewashed the Sri Lanka national cricket team 3-0 in the T20I series last month, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.. The spinners enjoyed excellent conditions and were instrumental in the success of Harry Brook’s team. In the last match, which was between Australia and Oman, it was quite clear that the slow bowlers were getting help from the pitch.
England only have two frontline spinners in Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, along with them, Will Jacks could be crucial as they may have to bowl more in Sri Lanka than in India. Sam Curran, whose cutters are very useful in these pitches, will be effective in the middle and death overs.
| Jacob Bethel – T20 World Cup 2026 Match-wise Stats | ||||
|
match |
bat | bowl | date | Field |
| England vs Italy | 23 | — | 16-February-26 | Eden Gardens |
| England vs Scotland | 32 | — | 14-February-26 | Eden Gardens |
| England vs West Indies | 33 | — | 11-February-26 | Wankhede |
| England vs Nepal | 55 | — | 08-February-26 | Wankhede |
Rain will play a role in Sri Lanka vs England match
Fans saw the first match between New Zealand and Pakistan abandoned due to rain; However, there are other concerns regarding the weather. There has been some rain in Pallekele, causing some parts of the ground to become flaky and soft.
There is a possibility that the match will be interrupted due to rain and the toss may also be delayed.. Both teams will have to play at least five overs for the result. However, England are ready for a full match rather than focusing on the rain.