England Announce Squads for Ireland and South Africa Series with Historic Captaincy Call

Jacob Bethell will make history in September when he becomes the youngest man to captain England in an international match. The 21-year-old Warwickshire all-rounder will lead England in a three-match T20I series against Ireland in Malahide, stepping in for Harry Brook.

England’s regular white-ball skipper, along with other three-format stars, will be rested for the Ireland games. Bethell’s appointment means he will break a record that has stood for more than 130 years. Monty Bowden was 23 years and 144 days old when he led England in 1888/89. Bethell doesn’t turn 22 until October.

Brook to Lead Against South Africa

Harry Brook will return to captain England in the three ODIs and three T20Is against South Africa starting 2 September. One of the big selections for that series is fast bowler Sonny Baker, who can clock over 90mph and has been impressive for Hampshire and the Manchester Originals this summer.

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Harry Cherrington Brook Batter

Harry Brook, a right-handed batsman and medium-arm bowler, made his international debut in 2022.

England selector Luke Wright praised both players:

• On Bethell: “He has shown strong leadership skills, and this series will help him grow further on the international stage.”

• On Baker: “We’ve tracked him for a while. His form in the England Lions tours and white-ball cricket this season has earned him this chance.”

England’s Pace and Spin Options

England will be without Mark Wood but still have plenty of pace firepower with Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, and Jamie Overton in the ODI squad. Luke Wood features in the T20 squads, while Rehan Ahmed supports Adil Rashid in the spin department.

Liam Dawson keeps his place after featuring against West Indies, while Tom Hartley could make his debut in the Ireland T20s. However, Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone are not included. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will manage the Ireland series with head coach Brendon McCullum taking a break after a packed summer.

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Sam Curran Batter

Sam Curran, a left-handed batsman and left-arm medium-fast bowler, was born in Northampton, England on June 3rd, 1998.

England Squads

ODI Squad vs 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

T20I Squad vs 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

T20I Squad vs 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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