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The young cricketer is set for the national team to “chuck me in the tough spot” as he gears up to guide the team for the first time against Ireland on Wednesday, making him the nation’s most junior men’s captain.

With a key player rested for this quickfire triple-header Twenty20 series in Malahide, just outside Dublin, the youngster fills the role to continue his quick climb in the global game. Bethell made his England debut last September and shone in his first Test series against the Kiwis at the end of the year. Still working to seal a fixed spot in the red-ball XI, he has emerged as an first-choice selection in the coach’s limited-overs sides.

“The coach gave me a ring and told me I was going to be captain,” commented Bethell. “Not a whole lot has been said of why I’ve been selected for the role. I don’t know the precise rationale of those in charge. I suppose it’s maybe just a leap of faith, and showing a bit of faith. It’ll prove nice to witness how I fare under stress, and no doubt that the guys who made the decision would want to observe that too.”

“I enjoy when things arrive with a fast pace, it tends to motivate me and about. So I relish those moments, not that they guarantee success. But hopefully this one does.”

Even with plenty of experienced names in the team to play Ireland, his appointment is in tune with the coaching staff’s bold choices when it regards picking players. He will have to fall back on his previous experience of guiding England Under-19s.

Style of Leadership

“Inexperienced but eager,” replied a smiling Bethell when asked what kind of leader he is. “The key aspect I’ve respected in leaders I’ve had before is how they manage people. Some strategic call you make is going to succeed, but it’s guiding the lads well so they know you’re backing them. I’ve got no fixed plans of how I’m going to be.”

Bethell has found form with the bat since he was named as skipper last month, having hit his maiden hundred in the third ODI against South Africa less than a fortnight ago. “I didn’t play for a while and maybe slipped in timing, but regained that rhythm come back about during the tournament so it’s great to be back feeling good.” He steered clear of any in-depth Ashes talk: “My head’s firmly focused to these matches.”

Rivals Dangers

Harry Tector and Paul Stirling “represent the biggest dangers with the batting” for the opposition, noted the skipper. The hosts enter rusty having not played since June – a stark contrast to England – and will be missing the whippy left-arm pace of Josh Little, on the mend from a side strain. However, the only completed T20 clash between these two sides brought an win for Ireland in Melbourne at the global tournament three years ago, a reminder that it may not be all easy for Bethell over the series.