The phenomenal rise of Barbadian cricketer Jacob Bethell in the ranks of the England team has been met with tremendous approval, as he is seen as a major player in the game.
On Friday, the England and Wales Board for Cricket (ECB) announced Bethell, the grandson of former Barbados player Arthur Bethell, would lead the team on a white ball tour to Ireland in late September.
Roland Butcher, the first Barbadian to play for England, said it was a “bold statement” by England as demonstrated Bethell’s excellence at his youthful age. He also indicated that the former Harrison College student will have to prove his mettle.
“England’s appointment of Jacob Bethell as their youngest-ever cricket captain is a bold statement of faith in his talent and leadership. Born in Barbados and nurtured at the Everton Weekes Centre of Excellence, Bethell has long been earmarked for greatness, combining flair with a mature cricketing brain,” Butcher told Nation News.
“England see in him not just runs and wickets, but the temperament to inspire a new generation. Still, questions remain: is it too soon to hand such responsibility to someone so young? If Bethell thrives, England’s gamble could reshape their future; if not, the burden may test even his exceptional promise.”
Some of England’s senior players will be missing in Ireland, including usual white-ball captain Harry Brook, who will oversee One-Day International and T20 International games during the South Africa tour of England earlier in September.
Therefore, the 21-year-old Bethell will become England’s youngest skipper.
The previous youngest England captain was Monty Bowden, who was 23 in 1889 when he took charge for a Test match in South Africa after regular skipper Aubrey Smith fell ill with fever. (PS)
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