London, Aug 15 (NationPress) Jacob Bethell is poised to make history as England’s youngest men’s captain during the upcoming three-match T20I series in Ireland, commencing on September 17.

The 21-year-old all-rounder will lead the team in this series, filling in for the regular captain, Harry Brook, who is being rested along with several other all-format players for workload management.

With this appointment, Bethell will break a long-standing record that has been in place for over 135 years, overtaking Monty Bowden, who was 23 years and 144 days when he captained England in Cape Town during the 1888–89 Test tour of South Africa.

This promotion marks an extraordinary rise for Bethell, who has consistently impressed with his youth performances and demonstrated significant leadership potential within England’s white-ball setup.

“Jacob Bethell has shown remarkable leadership qualities since joining the England squads, and the upcoming series against Ireland will allow him to further hone these skills on the international stage,” stated Luke Wright, England men’s selector.

In a notable development, 21-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker has also received his first call-up to the England squad for the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa.

Known for hitting speeds nearing 90 mph, Baker's performance for Hampshire, Manchester Originals, and the England Lions during the winter has solidified his reputation as one of the UK's most promising fast bowlers.

“Sonny is a player we have had our eyes on for a while; he was impressive during the England Lions tours last winter. He has carried that form into this season's white-ball cricket with Hampshire and Manchester Originals and rightfully earns his chance,” Wright added.

Baker is included in both the South Africa ODI squad and the Ireland T20I team, joining a largely established limited-overs group. Rehan Ahmed, after an outstanding summer with the bat, makes his return to the ODI team and is included in all three squads. Tom Hartley and Matthew Potts will also participate in the Ireland series.

The South Africa team will visit for three ODIs and three T20Is, concluding England’s home season before they head to Malahide for the games against Ireland. With Brook, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith all rested for the Ireland leg, Marcus Trescothick will act as head coach in place of Brendon McCullum.

England ODI squad vs South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.

England T20I squad vs South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

England T20I squad vs Ireland: Jacob Bethell (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.