Bethell is keeping ‘cool’ in spotlight

England captain Jacob Bethell and Ireland captain Paul Stirling pose with the series trophy at Malahide Cricket Club

- BY RORY DOLLARD

JACOB Bethell is ready to embrace the “pretty cool” honour of becoming the youngest man to captain England when he takes the next step of his rapid ascent in Ireland.

The 21-year-old only made his international debut last September but has already been fast-tracked as Harry Brook's stand-in in Malahide, taking charge of three T20s in the next five days.

In doing so he takes one of the longest standing records in the game, edging out Monty Bowden who led England at the age of 23 back in 1889.

Bethell has become one of the most talked-about talents in the country but handles his newfound position in the limelight with a natural ease.

Addressing his first media conference with a permanent grin, he said: “The feeling is excitement and there’s a few nerves kicking around.

“It's pretty cool. I saw a post the other day on the one-year anniversary (of his first appearance). I still remember that game at Southampton.