Jacob Bethell is set to become England's youngest men's cricket captain when he leads the side in the Twenty20 series against Ireland, starting Wednesday in Malahide. The 21-year-old replaces Harry Brook, who is rested for the three-match series.
Bethell, who made his England debut last September, has quickly risen through the ranks, impressing in Tests against New Zealand and becoming a regular in white-ball teams under coach Brendon McCullum. He said McCullum informed him of the captaincy by phone, adding: "I like when things come at a fast pace, it tends to get me up and about."
The Warwickshire all-rounder has previous captaincy experience with England Under-19s and will rely on that background. "The main thing I've looked up to in captains I've had previously is how they manage people," Bethell said. He also noted that he has found form with the bat, hitting his first professional century in the third ODI against South Africa recently.
Ireland, who have not played since June, will be without left-arm seamer Josh Little due to a rib injury. Bethell identified Harry Tector and Paul Stirling as Ireland's main batting threats. England won the only previous T20 meeting between the sides, but Ireland claimed victory in their last encounter at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne.
