England were hopeful Atkinson would be available for the beginning of the India series, while Archer’s long route back to Test cricket has been delayed by a thumb injury that prevented him playing for the Lions.
His next target would be to play for Sussex in the County Championship before the end of this month.
Warwickshire’s Bethell impressed in three Tests in New Zealand before Christmas, making half-centuries in the second innings of each, batting at number three.
When he missed the Test against Zimbabwe, England were spared the decision on whether to include him in their team and reverted back to their established top seven. In Bethell’s absence, Ollie Pope made a sublime century in his regular spot of number three.
Whereas Stokes appeared to suggest before the Zimbabwe Test Bethell would come straight back into the XI for the India series, he later clarified that the left-hander would merely return to the squad. Stokes also claimed his comments were “twisted to suit an agenda”.
Since then, Bethell has further impressed in England’s one-day team, making a sparkling 82 in the first ODI against West Indies.
Stokes at least seemed to confirm that England’s choice would be between Bethell and Pope, rather than opener Zak Crawley or spinner Shoaib Bashir being candidates to be left out.
