Jacob Bethell: England’s New No. 3 and the Unrelated Bethell Group Explained
In the high-stakes arena of the Ashes, a new name has exploded onto the scene, capturing headlines and the imagination of cricket fans. Jacob Bethell, the 22-year-old English batsman, has seized the coveted number three spot in dramatic fashion, playing a pivotal role in England’s Boxing Day Test victory in Melbourne. But for those in Australia searching “Bethell,” there’s another, entirely different entity: The Bethell Group, a major UK civil engineering and utilities contractor. This article breaks down the rising cricket star and the established construction firm, ensuring you know exactly who and what is making news.
Jacob Bethell: England’s Boxing Day Hero
Thrust into the Ashes cauldron at the MCG after the dropping of Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell faced what many considered a “hiding to nothing.” Instead, he displayed remarkable conviction, with former captain Joe Root hailing his match-sealing knock. His performance, which helped break England’s win drought in Australia, has sparked a serious conversation: is the No. 3 spot now his to lose?
Bethell’s Rapid Rise to the Test Arena
Bethell’s path to the Ashes wasn’t straightforward. He was overlooked for the limited-overs tour of New Zealand prior to the Australian series. His recall for the Boxing Day Test was a late, bold move by the England selectors—a gamble that paid off spectacularly. Veteran Steve Smith notably welcomed the youngster back to the crease by launching his first ball, a true baptism by fire that Bethell ultimately weathered.
“Root hails Bethell’s ‘conviction’ during match-sealing knock at MCG, expresses happiness at breaking win drought in Australia.” – AniNews.in
The IPL Influence and Future Prospects
In interviews, Bethell has credited his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with making him a better, more resilient player. This experience in high-pressure T20 cricket appears to have been invaluable preparation for the intensity of an Ashes Test. With the series poised on a knife-edge, all eyes will be on whether this young batter can cement his place as England’s long-term solution at first drop.
The Bethell Group: A UK Engineering Powerhouse
Separate from the cricketing headlines, The Bethell Group is a substantial, Manchester-based civil engineering and utility services conglomerate. Currently in a major expansion phase, the group operates across several key sectors including construction, plant hire, property development, and multi-utility connections.
Financial Snapshot & Corporate Structure
The group’s latest financial reports show a robust, trading company with significant investments in plant and stock. Below is a simplified overview of the group’s holding structure as per its 2024 report.
| Company | Nature of Business | Proportion Held by Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bethell Group Plc | Holding Company | 100% |
| Bethell Property Services Ltd | Property Development | 100% |
| Bethell Plant Services Ltd | Plant Hire | 100% |
| Bethell Construction Ltd | Civil Engineering | 100% |
| Bethell Utility Services Ltd | Multi-Utility Connections | 100% |
Major Projects and Fleet Investment
The Bethell Group is known for significant investments in specialised equipment. A key recent acquisition includes two new 35-tonne Liebherr shaft sinking excavators, deployed for tunnelling and shaft sinking projects—a highly technical area of civil engineering. They have also recently added new large cranes to their fleet, underscoring their commitment to major infrastructure projects.
- Shaft Sinking & Tunnelling: A core specialty, involving creating deep vertical shafts for infrastructure, which can be converted into permanent works like manholes.
- National UK Operations: As a “Manchester based civil engineering and utility services group,” their projects span the UK, with ongoing recruitment for roles like Project Managers in utilities.
- Strategic Expansion: The group is actively targeting strengthened market positioning through fleet investment and project acquisition.
Note: The Bechtel Connection (It’s a Different Company)
Some search results may conflate Bethell with the global engineering giant Bechtel, which is a separate American firm. Bechtel has a long history in Australia, currently delivering one of the country’s largest airport projects. The Bethell Group, while substantial, is a privately-owned UK business and is not affiliated with Bechtel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jacob Bethell in cricket?
Jacob Bethell is a 22-year-old English cricketer who recently made his mark in the 2025-26 Ashes series. He replaced Ollie Pope at number three in the batting order for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, playing a key role in England’s victory with a knock praised for its conviction by teammates like Joe Root.
What is The Bethell Group?
The Bethell Group is a major United Kingdom-based civil engineering and utility services contractor. Headquartered in Manchester, it comprises several companies specialising in construction, plant hire, property development, and utility connection services. It is not related to the cricketer Jacob Bethell.
Has Lord Bethell in the UK Parliament got anything to do with these companies?
No. Lord Bethell (a Conservative hereditary peer) is a member of the UK House of Lords. His political activities, such as contributions to debates on data use, are unrelated to the business operations of The Bethell Group or the career of cricketer Jacob Bethell. It is a case of a shared surname.
What are Bethell’s specialist engineering services?
The Bethell Group has a strong focus on shaft sinking and tunnelling, a complex area of civil engineering. They invest heavily in specialised equipment like Liebherr excavators and cranes to deliver these technically demanding infrastructure projects safely and efficiently.