Jacob Bethell named England's youngest men's captain as side rest regulars for Ireland T20s
The 21-year-old all-rounder will lead an under-strength England in a three-match T20 series at Malahide and says he will 'learn on the job.'
Jacob Bethell will become England men's youngest international captain when he leads an under-strength side in the first of three T20 internationals against Ireland at Malahide on Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed.
The 21-year-old, who has previously captained England Under-19s and Warwickshire's second XI but never a full senior side, said he would "learn on the job" as he steps into a short-term leadership role while regular white-ball captain Harry Brook and other all-format players are rested.
"I will be very chilled out, try to let everyone relax and let the talent take over," Bethell told reporters. "Obviously it's only a short-term job standing in for Harry Brook so I'll look to reiterate the messages he's trying to take forward with this time. To lead the side is going to be really special. I can learn on the job without too many preconceived ideas."
Bethell, who was born in Barbados and made his England debut against Australia in a T20 at the Utilita Bowl just over a year ago, will eclipse a benchmark that has stood since 1889. Monty Bowden captained England at age 23 years and 144 days in a Test against South Africa; Bethell is 21. Wisden records note an even younger skipper, Alfred 'Bunny' Lucas, who led an "unrepresentative" England side in a three-day match at age 20 in 1877, but that match is not classified as a full international.
Selectors have altered England's T20 squad for the Ireland series with Brook rested. Batter Jordan Cox is set to replace Brook in the middle order, while one of pace bowlers Sonny Baker or Scott Currie will take a place in the attack in place of Jofra Archer. The three T20s at Malahide are scheduled for Sept. 17, 19 and 21.
Bethell said the appointment underscored the selectors' faith in his character as well as his cricket. "Looking on a year from then, I'm pretty proud of what I've done in a year and pleased I've been given this opportunity," he said. "It shows I've got a bit of backing in terms of me as a character, not just me as a cricketer. I've loved every minute so far."
England's squad for the Ashes tour of Australia, which begins in November, is due to be announced next week. Bethell said he was concentrating on the immediate series in Ireland and not thinking ahead to selection debates surrounding the Ashes. He acknowledged there had been talk of him batting at three for the Test side but said, "My head's firmly screwed on to this series, I'm not thinking too far ahead. The squad's not even selected for that yet so hopefully I'm going to be there. We've got a few things to do before then. Nothing's been confirmed for the Ashes yet so I've not been thinking too much about it."
England's use of a younger, less experienced squad for the Ireland series follows a broader approach by the national selectors to manage workloads and provide opportunities to emerging players in the white-ball formats. Bethell's appointment will be closely observed as he takes charge of a side combining debutants, fringe internationals and players seeking to push for higher honours.