ISLAMABAD: England have handed the T20I reins to 21-year-old Jacob Bethell for their upcoming three-match series against Ireland, making him the youngest captain to ever lead England in a men’s international fixture.
With several senior players, including Test mainstays and former white-ball skipper Jos Buttler—either rested or rotated ahead of a packed Ashes and South Africa schedule—Bethell will take centre stage this September at Malahide. Just weeks shy of his 22nd birthday, Bethell will break a 136-year-old record previously held by Monty Bowden, who captained England at 23 years and 144 days in 1889.
For Bethell, the moment is as surreal as it is significant.
From making his international debut just last summer to now leading his country, the Barbadian-born all-rounder has turned a meteoric rise into a personal tradition. His journey has been littered with glimpses of genius: an unbeaten 50 on Test debut in New Zealand, a gutsy 96 in the second Test, and a dazzling 82 off 53 balls against West Indies that earned him Player of the Match honours.
This leadership elevation comes in the absence of Harry Brook, who had originally been pencilled in for the captaincy but has been rested alongside the likes of Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Jamie Smith. Jos Buttler, who stepped down as captain earlier this year following England’s early Champions Trophy exit, remains part of the squad but will not resume the armband.
“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads,” said Men’s Selector Luke Wright. “The series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage.”
Bethell’s rise mirrors that of cricketing folklore—blistering knocks, brave counterattacks, and now, the honour of captaining a nation still finding its new identity in the post-Buttler era. His promotion also serves as a signal: England’s cricketing future is here, and it is younger, bolder, and not afraid to lead from the front.
The three T20Is at Malahide will not just be a chance for Bethell to prove his mettle as a tactician and motivator—they will be a first look at England’s next-generation leadership in action.
England’s Youngest Men’s Captains (International Matches)
Player Age Opposition Format Year
Jacob Bethell 21y Ireland T20I 2025
Monty Bowden 23y 144d South Africa Test 1889
Ivo Bligh 23y 292d Australia Test 1882
Ian Botham 24y 186d West Indies ODI 1980
Alastair Cook 24y 325d South Africa T20I 2009
Eoin Morgan 24y 349d Ireland ODI 2011
Stuart Broad 25y 1d Sri Lanka T20I 2011
