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Jacob Bethell made history in Dublin on September 17, 2025. At just 21 years and 329 days old, he became England’s youngest international captain. He led England to a thrilling four-wicket win over Ireland in the first T20I of the three-match series.

Bethell breaks old records.
Before Bethell, Monty Bowden held the record as England’s youngest captain. Bowden was 23 years and 144 days old when he led England in a Test against South Africa in 1889.

In T20Is, Alastair Cook was the youngest England skipper before Bethell. Cook captained England against South Africa in 2009 at 24 years and 325 days.

Bethell’s achievement now tops both these records. It also signals England’s move towards a young leadership group as they build for future T20I tournaments.

England chase 197 with ease.e
Ireland batted first and scored 196 runs. Harry Tector hit an unbeaten 61, while Lorcan Tucker added 55. The duo powered Ireland to a big total as England rested some of their main bowlers for this game.

England, however, made the chase look easy. Opener Phil Salt smashed 89 runs off just 46 balls. His partner, Jos Buttler, played a quick cameo of 28 from 10 balls. They added 74 runs in only 4.4 overs, giving England a flying start.

Bethell, the new captain, scored 24 off 16 balls. Sam Curran chipped in with 27 runs. England reached the target with 14 balls to spare.

England’s youngest captains in T20Is
Here are the youngest players to captain England in T20Is before Bethell took the top spot:

Jacob Bethell – 21 years, 329 days – vs Ireland, Dublin, September 17, 2025
Alastair Cook – 24 years, 325 days – vs South Africa, Centurion, November 15, 2009
Stuart Broad – 25 years, 1 day – vs Sri Lanka, Bristol, June 25, 2011
This record highlights Bethell’s rapid rise through England’s cricketing ranks.

With this win, England leads the three-match series 1-0. The spotlight remains on Bethell as fans watch how the 21-year-old handles captaincy in the remaining matches.