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Jacob Bethell is ready for the national team to push me in the tough spot” as he braces to guide the side for the debut against the Irish on midweek, making him the nation’s youngest skipper in men’s cricket.

Due to a key player given a break for this condensed three-match T20 series in Malahide, just north of Dublin, the youngster fills the role to further his brisk rise in the global game. Bethell made his England debut last September and impressed in his first Test series against New Zealand at the close of the season. Yet to seal a fixed spot in the Test lineup, he has emerged as an first-choice selection in the coach’s limited-overs sides.

“The coach gave me a ring and said I was going to be leader,” stated the young star. “Not much has been said of why I’ve been chosen for the position. I don’t know the exact thinking of those in charge. Perhaps it’s possibly just a leap of faith, and showing a belief. It will be nice to see how I fare under scrutiny, and I’m sure that the people who made the decision would like to see that also.”

“I thrive on when things arrive with a fast pace, it usually energize me and going. So I prefer those moments, doesn’t mean they guarantee success. But with luck this one does.”

Even with plenty of seasoned pros in the lineup to play Ireland, Bethell’s appointment is in keeping with the coaching staff’s wilder impulses when it comes to selection. He will have to draw from his earlier stints of guiding England Under-19s.

Style of Leadership

“Inexperienced but eager,” answered a grinning the captain when questioned what type of captain he is. “What matters most I’ve respected in leaders I’ve had previously is how they handle teammates. Not every tactical decision you make is going to pay off, but it’s supporting the lads well so they know you’re supporting them. I’ve got no preconceived ideas of how I’ll act.”

Bethell has found form with the bat since he was announced as captain last four weeks, having hit his maiden hundred in the last 50-over match against the Proteas less than a two weeks ago. “I was out of action for a period and maybe slipped in rhythm, but felt that flow improve about in the middle of the Hundred so it’s fantastic to be back confident.” He steered clear of any in-depth speculation: “I’m firmly focused to this series.”

Rivals Challenges

One batsman and another experienced player “represent the key challenges with the batting” for Ireland, said Bethell. The hosts enter underprepared having been inactive since summer – a polar opposite to the visitors – and will be missing the whippy left-arm pace of a key bowler, on the mend from a side strain. However, the only completed T20 encounter between these two teams brought an upset in Australia at the World Cup three years ago, a warning that it might not prove all smooth for the new captain over the coming days.