'He’s been put on pedestal without scoring runs': Michael Vaughan's strong words for Jacob Bethell after shoddy show in ENG vs SA 1st ODI

Former English captain Michael Vaughan has voiced his concern over England's management of young cricketer Jacob Bethell, suggesting that the team management might be putting too much pressure and expectation on him too soon. Vaughan's remarks follow England's crushing defeat to South Africa in the first ODI at Headingley on September 2, where Bethell was one of many players who struggled to perform.

Michael Vaughan on England team management's handling of Jacob Bethell

The 21-year-old highly-rated batter was dismissed for 1 off 2, edging a Keshav Maharaj delivery to slip. This performance came after he also struggled in his previous international appearance during the final Test of the series against India. At that time, Bethell, who had only played one first-class match all season, scored six and five runs and appeared to be lacking rhythm. Despite his recent struggles, the team management entrusted him with the key responsibility to lead the English side in the upcoming T20 series in Ireland later this month, making him the youngest person ever to hold the position. Vaughan strongly feels that the burdening Bethell with such big responsibility, that too in such short span of time, could hinder Bethell's development rather than help it.

“He’s going to be a fine player for England. My problem is he’s been put on this pedestal, of almost greatness, without playing cricket and scoring runs. That selection in the last Test against India I thought was quite baffling, to throw a young player in. Then they’ve given him the T20 captaincy: more pressure. I don’t think you need to give Jacob any more pressure,” Vaughan told BBC’s Test Match Special.

“Let him play cricket, let him find that flow and form. If you think he’s a leader now, he’ll be a leader in two or three years. Don’t put that kind of pressure and expectation on him yet,” he added

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South Africa bulldoze England by seven wickets in the first ODI at Headingley to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The Proteas' dominance was evident early on as they bowled out England for a paltry 131, with more than half of the hosts' overs still remaining. The bowling attack was spearheaded by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who took four wickets and three wickets respectively.

After winning the toss, South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma put England in to bat under overcast conditions, a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. In their chase of 132, opener Aiden Markram wasted no time, smashing a fifty off just 23 balls, a blistering innings that included eight fours and two sixes. The Proteas comfortably reached their target of 137 for 3 with almost 30 overs to spare, sealing a comprehensive victory.

England will look to bounce back when they next meet South Africa in the second ODI on September 4.