ENGLAND SQUADS
Bethell is set to become England’s youngest international men’s captain © Getty
England have named Jacob Bethell as captain for the T20I tour of Ireland next month. The 21-year-old, who will be captaining the senior team for the first time, is set to become England’s youngest international captain, claiming the record from Monty Bowden who led the side back in 1888/89.
Before England leave for Dublin for the three-match series, they play South Africa at home in three ODIs starting September 7, which will be followed by three T20Is. Harry Brook will be the captain for those two home series. The all-format Test players, besides Bethell, have been rested for the Ireland leg, starting September 17, with Marcus Trescothick stepping in as the head coach.
22-year old Sonny Baker has also earned his maiden England call-up and features in the ODI squad that faces South Africa and the T20I squad that faces Ireland. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who has demonstrated upgraded batting abilities this domestic season, has also earned a recall to the ODI and T20I squads, having last played the formats in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley has also been called up for the T20I side that will face Ireland.
“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage,” said England Men Selector, Luke Wright, speaking about Bethell’s appointment.
“Sonny (Baker) is a player we have identified for a while and he was impressive during the England Lions tours last winter. He has carried that form into this season in white-ball cricket with Hampshire and Manchester Originals and deservedly gets his opportunity,” he added speaking about the Hampshire pacer.
England squad for ODIs v South Africa: Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith
England squad for T20Is v South Africa: Harry Brook (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood
England squad for T20Is in Ireland: Jacob Bethell (C), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood
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