Jacob Bethell will build on his leadership experience in the Hundred this summer after his appointment as Birmingham Phoenix men’s captain.
Bethell broke a 136-year record to become England’s youngest ever men’s captain when he led them to a 2-0 T20I series win in Ireland last September, deputising for the rested Harry Brook. His appointment came as a surprise due to his age – he suggested England’s motivation was to “chuck me in the deep end” – but he has previous leadership experience with England’s Under-19s.
He has since acted as Brook’s de facto vice-captain throughout England’s white-ball series in New Zealand and Sri Lanka this winter, as well as at the T20 World Cup. He has enjoyed a breakthrough winter on the field, becoming the youngest England player to score a century in all three international formats after hundreds against Australia (fifth Ashes Test) and India (T20 World Cup semi-final).
“I’m incredibly proud to be named captain of the Birmingham Phoenix,” Bethell said. “Leading this team is a huge honour, and it’s an opportunity I’m ready for, especially after the experience of captaining England last year. That responsibility taught me a lot about my own leadership and how to bring the best out of a group.”
Shane Bond, who has taken over from Daniel Vettori as men’s head coach, said: “Jacob is an outstanding young leader who has already shown maturity beyond his years. His experience captaining England last year demonstrated his tactical awareness and composure, as well as the ability to inspire those around him.”
The Phoenix also confirmed on Monday that Ellyse Perry will continue as women’s captain for the third season in a row, working under head coach Ali Maiden.
“I’m really honoured to captain Birmingham Phoenix Women again,” Perry said. “Edgbaston is a special place to play cricket, and I’m looking forward to leading what we’re hoping will be a young and exciting squad of players who can play an eye-catching brand of cricket.”
