Pope, who batted at No. 3 during England\u2019s home series draw against India, was preferred ahead of Bethell for much of the summer. The 21-year-old, however, featured in the final Test at No. 6 in place of injured captain Ben Stokes, and could now be in line to challenge for a top-order role after Harry Brook replaced Pope as England\u2019s Test vice-captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking to Sky Sports at the Professional Cricketers\u2019 Association (PCA) Awards, Bethell said there was no tension between the two. \u201cMe and Popey get on great, I wouldn't really call it a rivalry \u2014 there's a lot of talk of outside noise, but it doesn't really filter into the camp,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI get on really well with Popey, we practise really well together. He's obviously the batter in contention for that No. 3 spot. He's got that spot, and he's done unbelievably well. That team is pretty special at the moment, so if I get a chance, I will be looking to take it with both hands.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bethell, who scored three half-centuries in last winter\u2019s Test series win in New Zealand and registered his maiden professional ton in the ODI series against South Africa in September, said playing in the Ashes would fulfil a lifelong dream.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI remember watching [The Ashes] on TV and just seeing the sheer intensity of it all and being really driven towards it. It would be a dream come true to play in it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his year, Bethell admitted it had not been his most consistent season but one that had fueled his determination. \u201cFrom a personal point of view, I think I would have dreamed up a better season, but there have been performances I've been really happy with. That has lit a fire in me, and I'm looking to build on that. I will try my best [to get in the Test team], but what happens with that will happen,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, new Test vice-captain Harry Brook said he was looking forward to working alongside Stokes, who is recovering from a shoulder injury that ended his summer early. \u201cWith Stokesy, I don't think I'm going to have to do much. I'll be there every step of the way, but I'm not expecting to do too much if I'm being honest,\u201d Brook said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his year, Bethell admitted it had not been his most consistent season but one that had fueled his determination. \u201cFrom a personal point of view, I think I would have dreamed up a better season, but there have been performances I've been really happy with. That has lit a fire in me, and I'm looking to build on that. I will try my best [to get in the Test team], but what happens with that will happen,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brook will lead England\u2019s white-ball side on their upcoming tour of New Zealand from October 18, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, before attention turns to the Ashes, which begins in Perth on November 21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n