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Jacob Bethell is ready for the national team to throw me in the tough spot” as he prepares to captain the squad for the debut against Ireland on Wednesday, establishing him as the country’s most junior skipper in men’s cricket.

With a key player given a break for this fast-paced triple-header T20 series in Malahide, just outside Dublin, the youngster fills the role to further his brisk rise in international cricket. He made his national team bow last September and shone in his first Test series against New Zealand 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.

“Baz gave me a ring and told me I was going to be leader,” said the young star. “Not much has been said of the reason I’ve been picked for the position. I’m unsure of the specific logic of those making decisions. I guess it’s maybe just a leap of faith, and demonstrating a bit of faith. It’ll prove nice to witness how I go under scrutiny, and no doubt that the people who chose me would want to observe that also.”

“I thrive on when challenges come at a fast pace, it often motivate me and about. So I prefer those situations, doesn’t mean they go perfectly. But fingers crossed this one does.”

Even with plenty of veteran players in the squad to take on the hosts, Bethell’s appointment is in tune with the coaching staff’s daring tendencies when it regards picking players. He will need to draw from his past background of captaining England Under-19s.

Type of Leadership

“Inexperienced but eager,” replied a smiling Bethell when asked what sort of captain he is. “The main thing I’ve respected in leaders I’ve had before is how they handle people. Not every strategic call you make is going to pay off, but it’s guiding the lads well so they believe you’re backing them. I have no preconceived ideas of how I’ll act.”

Bethell has regained touch with the bat since he was named as skipper last four weeks, having scored his maiden hundred in the third ODI against the Proteas less than a two weeks ago. “I didn’t play for a while and maybe dropped timing, but regained that groove return about in the middle of the tournament so it’s great to be back in form.” He avoided any in-depth discussion: “My head’s firmly screwed on to the Ireland games.”

Rivals Dangers

One batsman and Paul Stirling “are the two biggest dangers with the bat” for the opposition, said the skipper. The home side enter short on match practice having been inactive since summer – a stark contrast to the visitors – and will be missing the sharp bowling of a key bowler, on the mend from a side strain. However, the only finished T20 encounter between these two teams brought an win for Ireland in Australia at the World Cup three years ago, a signal that it might not prove all easy for the new captain over the coming days.