Jacob Bethell becomes the youngest ever to lead the England team. Limited-overs skipper Harry Brook and other experienced players are being rested following the South Africa series, as England announces the squad for both the South Africa and Ireland limited-over series.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Bethell said,
"It was great news to hear. The feeling was one of pride at first. It's not sunk in yet—it's only been a few hours. I am looking forward to it, and it'll be a huge honour to lead the team against Ireland."
Luke Wright Hails Jacob Bethell’s Leadership as a Bold Move Ahead of Ireland Series
England selector Luke Wright called naming Bethell captain for the Ireland series a remarkable show of faith.
"Jacob has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he joined the England squads, and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage," Wright said.
England will play a 3-match T20I and ODI series against South Africa before facing Ireland in a 3-match T20I series in September.
South Africa tour of England 2025
Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
September 2 | 1st ODI (d/n) | Headingley |
September 4 | 2nd ODI (d/n) | Lord’s |
September 7 | 3rd ODI | Utilita Bowl, Southampton |
September 10 | 1st T20I (d/n) | Cardiff |
September 12 | 2nd T20I (d/n) | Emirates Old Trafford |
September 14 | 3rd T20I | Trent Bridge |
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England vs Ireland - 3rd T20I
Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
September 17 | 1st T20I | Malahide |
September 19 | 2nd T20I | Malahide |
September 21 | 3rd T20I | Malahide |
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Squad News
Fast bowler Mark Wood has been left out of all squads, having not played since February due to knee surgery. He had aimed to return in the fifth Test against India earlier this month but suffered a setback. His ongoing absence is a concern given his importance to England’s Ashes campaign this winter.
Selectors says they are prioritising Wood’s recovery and winter schedule, but his rehab is taking longer than expected. Bowler Gus Atkinson has also been left out.
Right arm seamer Sonny Baker has impressed with his lively pace bowling in The Hundred, taking four wickets in four matches for Manchester Originals so far.
IPL winner Phil Salt is back in England colours after his paternity leave. He was named in both the South Africa and Ireland T20I squads. Meanwhile, Brydon Carse, who skipped The Hundred to manage his workload, is included among the pace options for the South Africa ODIs, along with Jofra Archer, Baker, Jamie Overton, and Saqib Mahmood.
Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who has also impressed in domestic cricket this summer, has been recalled to the squad, which will be led by batter Brook.
England ODI squad for South Africa:
Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk).
England T20 squad for South Africa:
Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Luke Wood.
England T20 squad for Ireland:
Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler (wk), Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Luke Wood.
