Jacob Bethell Makes History as Youngest England Captain
Jacob Bethell is set to rewrite the record books in September when he captains England’s T20 side against Ireland, becoming the youngest man to lead the national team in international cricket at just 21 years old.
The milestone comes as England rests regular white-ball skipper Harry Brook and other all-format stars ahead of a busy schedule. Bethell, an all-rounder with limited appearances this summer, will take charge for the three-match T20 series in Dublin.
Breaking a 136-Year Record
Bethell surpasses Monty Bowden, who was 23 years and 144 days old when he captained England in a Test match against South Africa in 1889. That record had stood for over a century until Bethell’s appointment.
“Quite the day finding out,” Bethell told Sky Sports. “The first emotion is pride. Captaining England is going to be an honour and I can’t wait to do it.”
England’s Packed Schedule
Before heading to Ireland, a full-strength England side will face South Africa in three ODIs and three T20s. The squad includes returns for Phil Salt after paternity leave and a recall for leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.
Sonny Baker Earns First Call-Up
Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker has received his maiden England call-up after impressing in The Hundred, taking two wickets in four matches for Manchester Originals.
Meanwhile, pace spearhead Mark Wood continues to recover from knee surgery and will miss all squads. England say they are prioritising his winter Ashes schedule, though the delay in his recovery is a concern.
England Squad Selections Raise Questions
Notably absent from even the understrength Ireland squad are all-rounders Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, both of whom hold central contracts.
Brydon Carse, who skipped The Hundred to manage workload, is part of the South Africa squads alongside Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, and Saqib Mahmood.
Full England Squads
ODI Squad vs South Africa:
Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk)
T20 Squad vs South Africa:
Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Luke Wood
T20 Squad vs Ireland:
Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler (wk), Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Luke Wood