Young England Star Jacob Bethell Ready to Lead as Cricket’s Newest Captain
England’s rising all-rounder Jacob Bethell is making waves in international cricket. At just 21 years and 330 days old, he’s set to become the youngest captain in England’s history during the first T20I against Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday. This exciting three-match series kicks off a new chapter for the talented youngster.
Bethell, who burst onto the scene with his England debut just a year ago, loves the fast pace of his career. "I like it when things come at a fast pace," he told ESPNCricinfo ahead of the match. Back in 2023, he felt nerves during his first T20I against Australia at Southampton. Fast forward 12 months, and he’s played 34 international matches, notched up his maiden professional century, and now leads cricket legends like Adil Rashid and Jos Buttler.
England sees huge potential in Bethell, handing him the captaincy amid all the buzz. His leadership experience? A handful of school games, seven for England’s under-19 team, and some for Warwickshire’s second side. But Bethell’s journey—from moving from Barbados to the UK for boarding school to jumping into pro cricket early—has made him wiser and more mature than most peers. It’s no surprise he’s ready for this big role.
With regular white-ball skipper Harry Brook rested for the series, and no need to pass the armband back to Buttler at the end of the season, Bethell steps up. He thinks it’s all about trust from the team. "Maybe it’s just a bit of trust. Or chuck me in the deep end and see how I go," he said with a laugh. "It’ll be nice to handle the pressure—I bet the coaches want to see that too."
Last month, head coach Brendon McCullum broke the news to him, and Bethell felt a rush of pride. "The feeling is excitement with a few nerves," he shared. "I want to lead the boys well and grab a win." As captain, he’ll focus on man management while teaming up with stand-in coach Marcus Trescothick. "Not every tactical call works out," Bethell explained. "It’s about backing the players so they feel supported. That’s what I’ll carry forward in my career."
Bethell looks up to England’s Test captain Ben Stokes for inspiration. "He leads by example with his actions and performances," he said. "I want to do the same as a player and leader." Just nine days ago, Bethell smashed his first pro ton—a stunning 110 off 82 balls against South Africa in the third ODI, sharing the field with Joe Root. "It was addictive," he admitted. "Now I’ve done it once, I want to raise the bat again and again. It’s boosted my confidence big time."
Cricket fans are buzzing about this England vs Ireland T20I series. Can Bethell guide his side to victory? Here’s the full England squad: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (w), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell (c), Liam Dawson, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker, Scott Currie, Tom Hartley, Jordan Cox, Rehan Ahmed.
Stay tuned for live updates from Dublin as this young captain takes charge!
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