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Jacob Bethell is prepared for the national team to “chuck me in the deep end” as he gears up to lead the side for the maiden occasion against the Irish on Wednesday, establishing him as the nation’s youngest skipper in men’s cricket.

Due to a key player given a break for this fast-paced three-match Twenty20 series in a Dublin suburb, just outside Dublin, the youngster takes over to further his brisk rise in international cricket. He made his England debut last autumn and shone in his initial five-day contests against New Zealand at the close of the season. Still working to seal a permanent role in the red-ball XI, he has emerged as an first-choice selection in the coach’s limited-overs sides.

“The coach called me up and told me I was going to be skipper,” said the young star. “Very little has been said of why I’ve been picked for the role. I’m unsure of the specific logic of those in charge. I suppose it’s possibly just a show of confidence, and showing a bit of faith. It will be nice to witness how I fare under pressure, and I believe that the guys who chose me would want to observe that too.”

“I enjoy when challenges come at a rapid speed, it usually get me up and going. So I relish those moments, doesn’t mean they always work. But hopefully this one will.”

Even with plenty of experienced names in the lineup to face Ireland, his rise is in line with the coaching staff’s daring tendencies when it comes to picking players. He will need to fall back on his previous experience of captaining the youth team.

Type of Leadership

“A very young one,” replied a grinning Bethell when asked what kind of leader he is. “What matters most I’ve respected in skippers I’ve had before is how they work with teammates. Some strategic call you make is going to succeed, but it’s managing the team well so they know you’re behind them. I have no fixed plans of how I’ll act.”

Bethell has hit his stride with the bat since he was named as skipper last four weeks, having notched his debut ton in the final one-dayer against the Proteas less than a fortnight ago. “I had a break for a while and perhaps dropped timing, but found that groove return about during the tournament so it’s great to be back confident.” He avoided any detailed Ashes talk: “I’m firmly screwed on to these matches.”

Opposition Dangers

One batsman and another experienced player “represent the biggest dangers with the batting” for Ireland, said Bethell. The hosts enter short on match practice having had no games since June – a polar opposite to England – and will be without the whippy left-arm pace of Josh Little, on the mend from a side strain. However, the only completed T20 meeting between these two teams brought an win for Ireland in Melbourne at the World Cup three years ago, a signal that it may not be all straightforward for the new captain over the series.