On February 17, Jacob Bethel becomes the youngest captain of England

• Jacob Bethel becomes the youngest captain of England in T20.
• The series of matches against Ireland will begin on February 17.
• Sonny Baker received his first call-up to the national team.

Jacob Bethel, a 21-year-old all-rounder from Winchester, will become the youngest captain of the England men's team in an international match when they face the team in the T20 series in Ireland this February.

Bethel replaces Harry Brook, who is taking a break from the main squad for three matches in Dublin, which start on February 17.

This appointment is significant, as Bethel is set to surpass the record of Monty Bowden, who was captain of England at the age of 23 years and 144 days in 1889. Bethel will not reach 22 years until July.

Before heading to Ireland, England will play three Olympic international matches and three T20 matches against South Africa, starting from February 2. The squad also sees the debut of 22-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker, who impressed in the 'Stow' tournament.

There are still several key players missing, including Mark Wood, who did not play since July due to surgery on his knee. Instead, the team will include fast bowlers such as Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, and Jamie Overton.

In this regard, Bethel, who has captaincy experience in the England youth team, gets a chance to demonstrate his leadership qualities at the international level. He has already shown good results, but has yet to reach the heights in professional cricket.

The squad for the T20 series in Ireland looks as follows: Jacob Bethel (captain), 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.

In February, there are also scheduled matches against South Africa:

• February 2 – 1st ODI, Headingley
• February 4 – 2nd ODI, Lord's
• February 7 – 3rd ODI, Utilita Bowl, Southampton
• February 10 – 1st T20, Cardiff
• February 12 – 2nd T20, Emirates Old Trafford
• February 14 – 3rd T20, Trent Bridge

The series with Ireland will take place from February 17 to 21 with three ODIs.

Tags: Sport