Overview

• Bethell will become the youngest man to captain an England men's side, surpassing Monty Bowden’s 1888-89 record.
• Harry Brook and other senior players are being rested, with England sending a weakened squad for three T20Is in Malahide in mid-September.
• Selector Luke Wright says Bethell has shown leadership qualities in England pathways and that the Ireland series offers a chance to develop them.
• Mark Butcher argues the 21-year-old has not earned the role and says the stripped-back squad shows a lack of respect for Ireland.
• Michael Atherton calls the captaincy a red herring and flags Bethell’s limited recent cricket—estimated at 441 balls faced this year—as a risk to his batting development.