The young cricketer is set for the national team to push me in the deep end” as he prepares to captain the side for the maiden occasion against the Irish on Wednesday, establishing him as the country’s youngest men’s captain.
With Harry Brook rested for this condensed triple-header Twenty20 series in Malahide, just outside Dublin, the 21-year-old takes over to extend his quick climb in international cricket. He made his England debut last September and impressed in his initial five-day contests against the Kiwis at the close of the season. Still working to seal a fixed spot in the Test lineup, he has become an automatic pick in the coach’s limited-overs sides.
“The coach gave me a ring and informed me I was going to be captain,” said Bethell. “Not a whole lot has been said of why I’ve been selected for the role. I’m unsure of the exact thinking of those making decisions. I guess it’s possibly just a bit of trust, and demonstrating a belief. It’ll prove nice to witness how I perform under scrutiny, and I believe that the guys who made the decision would want to observe that too.”
“I thrive on when challenges come at a quick tempo, it usually get me up and about. So I like those situations, doesn’t mean they guarantee success. But with luck this one pans out.”
Even with plenty of veteran players in the squad to play the hosts, his appointment is in line with the coaching staff’s bold choices when it comes to selection. He will need to draw from his earlier stints of leading the youth team.
Approach of Captaincy
“Inexperienced but eager,” answered a grinning the captain when questioned what sort of leader he is. “The main thing I’ve respected in captains I’ve had previously is how they manage people. Not every strategic call you make is going to pay off, but it’s guiding the boys well so they know you’re backing them. I have no preconceived ideas of how I’ll act.”
He has hit his stride with the bat since he was named as captain last month, having notched his first professional century in the final one-dayer against South Africa less than a two weeks ago. “I was out of action for a period and maybe slipped in timing, but felt that flow return about midway through the tournament so it’s reassuring to be back feeling good.” He avoided any in-depth Ashes talk: “I’m firmly focused to the Ireland games.”
Rivals Threats
Harry Tector and Paul Stirling “represent the main threats with the batting” for Ireland, noted the skipper. The home side enter rusty having been inactive since June – a stark contrast to England – and will be without the whippy left-arm pace of Josh Little, on the mend from a side strain. Yet, the only completed T20 meeting between these two teams brought an win for Ireland in Melbourne at the World Cup three years ago, a reminder that it may not be all straightforward for the new captain over the series.
