England stand-in captain Phil Salt hailed the batting talent of young Jacob Bethell after his sensational knock helped England secure a 3-wicket victory over Australia in the 2nd T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Chasing a challenging target of 194, the hosts were in trouble at 79/3, but Bethell’s explosive innings, combined with Liam Livingstone’s brilliance, turned the game in England’s favor.

Playing only his second international match, the 20-year-old Bethell smashed a 24-ball 44, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. His most notable moment came in the 14th over when he dismantled Australia’s premier leg-spinner, Adam Zampa, hitting him for 20 runs in five deliveries. This aggressive assault shifted the momentum of the game towards England.

Captain Phil Salt, impressed by Bethell's performance, praised his young teammate: "Bethell is a real talent. The way he took down Zampa, there’s not many that can do that in their second international game. I’m really pleased for him."

Bethell’s counter-attack was complemented by a 90-run stand with Livingstone, who himself played a pivotal role with a brilliant innings. The pair steadied England’s chase, bringing them closer to victory. Livingstone, too, lauded Bethell’s composure, calling it a ‘special feeling’ to bat alongside such an ‘incredibly talented’ youngster.

The decider of the three-match series is set for September 15 in Manchester, with the series now tied at 1-1.