Jacob climbs the captaincy ladder!

JACOB Bethell is set to become England’s youngest-ever men’s captain in an international match after being selected to lead the side in three T20s in Ireland next month.

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

The 21-year-old Warwickshire all-rounder is on the Test fringes but is already a white-ball mainstay and the esteem in which he is held is emphasised by his appointment to captain England from September 17-21 in Dublin.

When he does so, Bethell will eclipse the existing record held by Monty Bowden, who was 23 years and 144 days old when he oversaw England in a Test against South Africa at Cape Town in 1888-89.

“Jacob has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads,” said national selector Luke Wright.

“The series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage.”