Who is Jacob Bethell, England’s youngest cricket captain in 136 years?

With Harry Brook unavailable, Jacob Bethell will captain England against Ireland in September, becoming the youngest-ever skipper in the team’s history at 21.

Jacob Bethell, a 21-year-old allrounder born in Barbados and raised in England, has quickly emerged as one of cricket’s most promising young players. In just his second international appearance, he struck 20 runs in a single over off Adam Zampa during a chase of 194 in Cardiff, announcing his arrival with confidence. He followed that with three unbeaten half-centuries on tour in the Caribbean, and within months found himself drafted into England’s Test squad for New Zealand.

He has now been handed the captaincy of England's T20I side, which will tour Ireland for a three-match series.

Bethell has now become the youngest captain of the England cricket team in 136 years, breaking the record held by Monty Bowden.

Who is Jacob Bethell?

From Bridgetown to Birmingham

Bethell’s journey began in Barbados, where he was born on October 23, 2003. He studied at Harrison College before moving to England at 13 after earning a scholarship to Rugby School. That move proved decisive. Soon after, he joined Warwickshire’s youth system and progressed quickly, signing professional terms at 17 in 2021. His debut came in the T20 Blast the same year, and he made his name with the England Under-19s in the 2022 World Cup, smashing 88 off 42 balls in a quarter-final against South Africa.

Breakthrough and franchise doors

The year 2024 marked Bethell’s breakthrough. Strong showings for Warwickshire in the Blast and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred earned him senior England call-ups, and his fearless batting began to attract global attention. T20 franchises moved quickly: he signed deals with Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash, Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Each stint added new dimensions to his game, while also underlining his adaptability across formats and conditions.

A modern allrounder

Bethell is primarily known for his fluent left-handed batting, but his skillset extends beyond the top order. He contributes with steady left-arm spin, offering control in the middle overs, and is regarded as an electric fielder both in the ring and on the boundary. England’s team management values him as a three-dimensional cricketer, capable of changing matches with bat, ball, or in the field.

Looking ahead

For England, Bethell represents the blend of talent, versatility, and global exposure shaping the next generation of cricketers. Whether anchoring innings, providing breakthroughs with the ball, or energising the field, he has already shown the temperament for the highest level. At just 21, the Barbados-born allrounder is positioning himself not just as a rising name in English cricket, but as a figure to watch on the world stage.