Jacob Bethell was handed the captaincy for England’s T20I series against Ireland in mid-September. That is big news since he is only 21, which would make him the youngest-ever captain across formats, a record that has stood for about 136 years. This is a massive achievement, but it could potentially be an issue that negatively affects his career.

Too much pressure for a 21-year-old

Bethell is a highly rated prospect, as many see him as a talented batter. It seems like he is also a gifted leader, as the national team setup sees him as worthy of being a captain. Unfortunately, this could be too early, as he would become the youngest captain in history.

That could be an issue for some people, as they do not rate his ascent. He will be the youngest captain in the team’s history, which led to critics pointing out some of their worries. This includes former England captain Michael Atherton, who is not a fan of the decision.

Atherton said in The Times, ‘The captaincy is a red herring, though. Ben Stokes and Harry Brook are going nowhere and if this experience is part of long-term planning, then fair enough �although they have to be careful that Bethell doesn’t start to wonder what he has done to deserve the keys to the entire kingdom�

The concerns behind his lack of experience

A big concern that people have is Bethell’s lack of experience playing at the highest level of cricket. Compared to his England teammates, he does not have the experience of playing against the best teams in the world. 

People are also concerned about the pressure he is under, as leadership is a heavy role. It is an honour, but it could also be a burden. As a former captain, Atherton’s thoughts on the situation matter as he has experience within the same role.

At the age of 21, Bethell already has a bright future. However, the captaincy role might become a burden too heavy to carry. He is ready for his new role as captain. While it may seem concerning, he appears prepared for the new challenges.

England still has many top captains

With leaders like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook still available, many people found it peculiar that Bethell is the choice. This could mean England is building towards the future, as they need a readymade leader like Bethell moving forward.

This will be a huge challenge, but the English decision-makers are committed to giving Bethell an opportunity as a leader. He has the talent to become a top player, but his leadership will be tested, especially with a team filled with older players.

Find the cricket expert pieces here

Throughout the 21st century, England have become one of the most prominent cricketing countries. With this rise, they have created some unforgettable moments across different formats. They have staged some of the most intense and iconic clashes in international cricket, including the Ashes and World Cup glory. 

Here are some of the defining highlights of modern English cricket:

The dramatic 2005 Ashes win

For many cricket fans, the 2005 Ashes is one of the greatest series of cricket ever. England had not beaten Australia in an Ashes contest since 1986-87, so getting some payback was long overdue. 

The Aussies had one of the most dominant teams in cricket history over those two decades, with names like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, and Ricky Ponting leading the way. That meant England had to overcome a tough team when they played in the 2005 Ashes.

This series began with Australia taking the first Test rather easily. However, England managed to roar back and win a close match at Edgbaston by only two runs. It is still one of the most discussed matches in cricket history due to its level of thrill and the close result.

It was a see-saw series between the two powerhouses at Old Trafford and Trent Bridge. In the decisive fifth Test, Kevin Pietersen’s 158 in the second innings secured a draw, clinching a 2-1 series win for England.

The first ICC trophy for England

During the 21st century, England were competitive against other countries. However, they did not have a major ICC trophy in the 2000s. That is why the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was a massive success for the team when they won the tournament held in the West Indies. 

Spearheaded by Paul Collingwood, England had a mix of strong batting and amazing bowling. Kevin Pietersen was present again with his powerful stroke play, but he had awesome support from his teammates, including Craig Kieswetter with his powerful hitting and Graeme Swann’s talent.

The final was played against Australia, and England made sure not to lose to their rivals. They were chasing 148, which led to Kieswetter and Pietersen dismantling Australia’s bowlers. They secured a seven-wicket win with more than three overs to spare. They won their first major ICC title, signalling the start of a new era.

This victory set the tone for England, as they would win the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019,  and they won the ICC T20 World Cup again in 2022. England are one of the best countries in the cricket world, with multiple trophies in the 21st century.

A magical 481 against Australia in 2018

For the Test side of the Ashes, 2005 would be most people’s favourite moment. For white-ball cricket, the 2018 ODI series could be considered the peak. England broke the world record for the highest ODI total, getting 481/6 against Australia at Trent Bridge.

The Three Lions demolished Australia during that June 2018 day, as Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales were the stars of the show. Australia’s bowlers did their best, but England were in their best form on that day. Adil Rashid and Eoin Morgan chipped in with some fiery batting to end the match and surprise the rest of the cricket world.

In addition to their batting dominance, England also had Moeen Ali and Rashid performing well with their bowling. This was a fearless England squad, and under Morgan’s leadership, they continued their aggressive and relentless style of playing cricket.

Stokes�heroics in the 2019 Ashes

Ben Stokes has become one of the most recognisable cricket players in the world. When it comes to English cricket, he is one of the first names mentioned as a contributor. His best moments for the England team were during the 2019 Ashes, as England were trying to chase an improbable 359 in the Third Test.

Stokes had an innings for the ages, as he started cautiously but kept hunting. He kept improving throughout his stint, unleashing a counterattack to drag England from the jaws of defeat to a one-wicket victory.

The reaction in the stadium and on commentary cemented how significant this moment was. Even the most neutral fans were shocked by what happened, and that is due to Stokes�stellar performance. Of course, the Aussies would win the urn at the end of the series, but people mostly remember 2019’s Ashes due to Stokes�performance.

The 2019 World Cup victory against New Zealand

England have always been involved in dramatic matches, but the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final against New Zealand is an important one for the sport. After their struggles in the 2015 World Cup, England came into this matchup as the favourites.

Unfortunately, this was not a cakewalk for the English team, as New Zealand posted 241/8. It was a tough yet reachable target that motivated England. Stokes anchored the innings for his team, but the game went to a Super Over.

Jofra Archer had to bowl the most important over of his life, and yet New Zealand matched England’s 15. It was another dramatic moment, but England won on the boundary countback rule, becoming the ODI world champions for the first time. This cemented their place among the best teams in the ODI format, as they are often contenders.

England will continue to have these moments

From the glory of the 2005 Ashes to their success in the World Cup tournaments, England will continue to succeed in the 21st century. They might have some dark months or even years, but they have the infrastructure to become one of the brightest cricketing countries alongside the likes of Australia, India, and the West Indies.

Explore more cricket features here

Sir Alastair Cook is seen as one of the greatest cricketers in England’s history. He is the nation’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He even had multiple accolades, including being the youngest player to reach 12,000 Test runs. 

Over the years, Cook was one of the most consistent players in English cricket. For English cricketers, he remains the shining example for the top players. Here is how he became an all-time great for a talent-rich country.

Cook was superb from the jump

When Cook debuted for England’s Test cricket team against India in 2006, no one would have predicted that he would be an all-time great. He was a late replacement, but he did not show any signs of nervousness at the start of his career. He was composed in the jump, scoring 60 in his first innings.

In his second innings, he announced his arrival by scoring an unbeaten 104, proving that he had the calmness, patience, and technique that could make him a top player. England got a fantastic player in 2006, and he kept proving his worth as one of the country’s best-ever players.

Cook never looked back after that magnificent debut. He progressed well, and England benefited from his play. He was often at the top of the batting order, and he kept delivering great moments.

A shining example of endurance

During his career, Cook played at the highest level for over 12 years without much drop-off in his performance level. That is a feat that only a few can match. He rarely missed matches due to injury, as his endurance and fitness allowed him to play 159 consecutive Test matches. That is a world record for any player in cricket. The longevity was not exclusive to avoiding injuries, as he also stayed relevant despite the ever-changing sport.

Despite some rough times for England, Cook was a constant. He found ways to bounce back whenever he had a rough performance. Over the years, Cook was always the man to watch for England, as he kept representing the country well.

Cook performed when it mattered

Known as a run machine for some cricket fans, he was always a consistent match-winner for England. Stepping up whenever needed was a constant positive for Cook, headlined by his performance in the 2010-11 Ashes when he scored 766 runs, including three centuries. 

Alastair Cook’s career is one to remember due to how he showcased discipline, production, and longevity. His records could be broken by other players, but he should be recognised as an all-time great.

Find more expert cricket pieces here

Cricket is an exciting sport, and most of the time, batting first comes to mind. Explosive numbers usually stand out in cricket, so batsmen and bowlers are often the star players. Wicket-keepers also deserve a spotlight because they play a big role. 

Only a few players have mastered the art of wicket-keeping. One player who could arguably be the best to ever play the position is Jack Russell, one of England’s greatest players in its long history.

Russell had unmatched technical skill

During his career, Russell was known for his quick hands, but he was more than that. He was a master technician with his movements behind the stumps. Precision was always a big part of his glove work, which impressed the fans who watched the matches. 

Russell rarely missed a beat, as he easily dealt with late movement off the seam or a variable bounce. It is tough to keep up with top-tier players like England’s spin-bowling maestro Phil Tufnell or swinging bowler Angus Fraser.

Adaptability was one of Russell’s biggest strengths as he kept playing around the world on suboptimal pitches, but his footwork never wavered.

His consistency made him a technically proficient wicket-keeper who continues to be the gold standard. That makes him one of the best in his position during his time, and possibly the greatest ever.

Russell had many iconic performances and records

The aesthetics of his game were not the best part of Russell’s game. He combined that elegant play with some of the best numbers and performances you can get from a wicket-keeper. 

Russell’s most iconic moment came during a match against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1995. He had a match-saving 93 not out, which showed his mental toughness and technical skill under pressure.

In first-class cricket, Russell racked up 540 dismissals, including 1,192 catches and 91 stumpings. Those numbers place him in the top tier of keepers. For England, he played 54 Tests and 40 One-Day Internationals, which he kept contributing to as a crucial keeper.

A strong cultural and cricketing influence

Russell was more than just a cricketer because he was a character off the field. He left a lasting impression on people who liked English cricket as he was famous for his fun training routines, painting skills, and even his love for tea. He can be described as a cult hero for England, as he was a serious player, but he had some eccentric tastes.

His legacy remains strong today because he inspired the modern-day keepers. Players like Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow see him as their idol, which should cement Russell as one of the best, even the outright best.

Find more expert cricket pieces here

Heading into their One-Day International series, England knew the West Indies would be a challenging opponent. Amidst all the errors, England took the win mostly because of the fantastic Joe Root, who had his 18th ODI century while surpassing 7,000 runs in the format.

Root stands out for England

It was a monstrous performance from Root, scoring 166 off 139 balls. This is now an insurmountable lead for England, as they have a 2-0 advantage over the West Indies in their three-match ODI series. 

After the game, Root was glad he could showcase his quality as a top player, but he kept giving credit to his team for helping him.

He said, ‘There have been a lot of England teams I’ve played in before where we’ve ended up with 350 and then it’s a completely different chaseâ€?

At the same time, Root also wanted to shower Harry Brook’s captaincy. It was a great win for England and an excellent display for their star player. The Three Lions have a bright future ahead of them as they keep competing with a stacked roster led by Brook and Root.

Find the best cricket updates here

Joe Root has become one of the most recognisable names in English cricket history due to his leadership and productivity. He made the latest headlines in May 2025 after becoming the first English player and fifth-ever player to score more than 13,000 runs in Test cricket. 

This is the latest feat in his career, which deserves a deeper dive. Have a look at why Root deserves more love as a superstar cricket player.

Consistent performance across many formats

A big part of why Root is a star player is his ability to adapt. He is a well-travelled player as he has performed at the highest level across all three formats of cricket. He knows how to play more patiently in Test cricket, keep up with the pace that picks up in ODI, and compete in the fast-paced environment of the T20 format. 

This ability to naturally switch across formats made him invaluable to English cricket. He was a mainstay for England for over a decade, getting over 30 centuries and pulling off magical moments often. 

A good example of this is his innings of 180 and 200 in 2013 and 2014. It was a strong performance that cemented him as one of England’s top players and leaders.

England had outstanding batting strength because of Joe Root. He was a big part of the team as a productive batsman despite the rest of the team’s struggles with inconsistent batting outside of Root.

A reliable leader

Root’s legacy goes beyond the stats as he was England’s Test captain for a long time. He took over as captain in 2017 and lasted until 2022 after leading them 64 times. Root always had strong leadership qualities, as he always stayed calm under pressure. He led from the front with a bat, but he never shied away from criticism. 

Root handled the role with humility and grace amidst all the ups and downs. He was a big part of how England rebuilt the team, as he brought the stability the team needed after a tough time in the mid-2010s. When he stepped away, he knew it was time. However, he was proud of what he did as a leader.

He is respected by his peers

The cricketing world respects Root for what he has done as a player. He carries himself with the right attitude, which helps him earn everyone’s respect. Players like Steve Smith and Kane Williamson loved watching and playing against him. 

With all these reasons, it is fair to say that Root deserves more respect. He is a top-tier player, and he will continue to stand out as a superstar for England.

Explore cricket expert pieces here

England has been pivotal in shaping cricket worldwide from its inception to today. It is a country jam-packed with tradition and iconic players throughout its history. These special players have left an indelible mark on the country’s rich cricket history. 

James Anderson

During his career, James Anderson cemented himself as England’s finest pace bowler. He is the all-time leading wicket-taker among fast bowlers in English Test cricket with 704. At the same time, he is ranked third worldwide, as he was only behind Shane Warne from Australia and Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka in Test cricket.

Anderson specialised in his deadly swing bowling, which tormented batsmen for over two decades. He was a player who stepped up for England whenever they needed a star player. Anderson had a career worthy of a legend, as he had plenty of feats.

The legendary bowler does not see himself as a top-tier player, but his feats say otherwise. He was a stellar cricket player, and he deserves to be known as one of England’s best. Anderson is not playing with England any more after retiring in 2024, but he still plays for Lancashire. When he does step away from the sport entirely, he should be unanimously known as a legend.

Jack Hobbs

When it comes to sheer stats, Sir Jack Hobbs is one of the best in England’s history. With over 61,000 first-class runs and a whopping 199 centuries in his career, Hobbs is an all-time great. 

He was a machine with runs, as he found ways to keep scoring. His records have stood the test of time as he was a special player. The batting was always fun to watch since it was effective, but he made it graceful. He was worthy of his moniker of ‘The Master�as he was a consistent player, who was also fun to watch.

On and off the field, Hobbs was an icon of the sport. He was a pioneer for cricket, as Hobbs remains one of its biggest names. He might have played in the early 1900s, but he is still known as an icon of the Three Lions nearly a century after he retired.

Ian Botham

Every time Ian Botham rocked up to the field, he helped his team compete. He was a true all-rounder with his batting and bowling, but he always did it with a sense of flair. He was one of the most entertaining cricket players England ever had, as he captured everyone’s attention in the 1970s and 1980s with his flashy moments.

Botham can always turn a game on its head with his aggressive style, which helped his team win the matches. His centuries and wicket-taking made him a national hero of cricket in England. 

The 1981 Ashes remains one of his best performances, becoming known as ‘Botham’s Ashes� It is now etched into English folklore as he stood out with the combination of stats and moments that will forever be remembered.

Alastair Cook

As England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer with over 12,000 runs and 33 centuries, Alastair Cook is an icon. He was a master of concentration and technique, which made him the backbone of England’s batting for over a decade from 2006 to 2018.

He was a superb batsman, but at the same time, he was also a captain. He led with humility and was always determined to get a good result. England did not win a major trophy during his tenure, but he was superb in memorable wins like the 2013 and 2015 Ashes.

These are four of England’s best-ever players, and they deserve all the credit. They proved England is a top cricketing country, and they will continue to be for a long time. With other countries proving their worth as cricket hubs, England has kept up with them at the highest level of international cricket due to its players.

Explore more cricket features here

After nine years in her role as captain, Heather Knight has stepped away from her captaincy. This comes as a consequence of poor results, including England’s group stage exit in the T20 World Cup and the loss to Australia in the Ashes in 2025. 

With Knight’s exit, the England and Wales Cricket Board selected Nat Sciver-Brunt as the captain across all three formats. She is not the only addition to the national team as former England captain Charlotte Edwards is the new head coach after Jon Lewis.

Sciver-Brunt is ready for the task

Sciver-Brunt accepted the new role after being asked by Edwards to be captain. She is ready for the challenge amidst the pressure. 

She said, ‘I’m really proud to take on the role of captain of the England women’s team and it’s an honor to have been asked by Charlotte, someone I’ve always looked up to�

Find out the latest cricket updates here