England name squads for South Africa, Ireland series; Jacob Bethell to become youngest English skipper

England have named their squads for the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa and the T20 internationals in Ireland. The team will play three ODIs and three 20-over fixtures against the Proteas, with the ODI series starting on Tuesday, September 2, at Headingley in Leeds. The three-match T20I series against Ireland will take place at Malahide in Dublin, with the opening game scheduled for Wednesday, September 17.

The all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been named captain for the T20I series against Ireland, marking his first time leading the England Men’s team. The 21-year-old is set to become the youngest-ever the captain for Englishmen in an international fixture.

The pacer Sonny Baker has been called up to his first international squad after strong performances with the England Lions over the winter and in the shorter formats of the English domestic set-up. Most of The Three Lions' all-format inclusions, aside from Bethell, have been rested for the T20 series in Ireland. Marcus Trescothick will step in as Head Coach for the T20 leg of the tour.

“Jacob Bethell has impressed with his leadership qualities ever since he has been with the England squads and the series against Ireland will provide him with the opportunity to further develop those skills on the international stage. 

"Sonny is a player we have identified for a while and he was impressive during the England Lions tours last winter. He has carried that form into this season in white-ball cricket with Hampshire and Manchester Originals and deservedly gets his opportunity,” England Men's chief selector Luke Wright said in an official ECB release on Friday.

England ODI squad for South Africa tour

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith

England T20I squad for South Africa tour

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood

England T20I squad for Ireland tour

Jacob Bethell (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood

England's schedule against South Africa and Ireland