Jacob Bethell will captain England in the T20 series against Ireland, becoming the youngest man to lead the side at 21 years old. He stepped in with Harry Brook rested, taking charge in the first of three matches in Malahide, just north of Dublin. The role marks a quick rise for Bethell, who only made his England debut last year in September.

Bethell said he was surprised when Brendon McCullum called to tell him he would be the skipper. He noted that no clear reason was given, but he believes it shows trust from the staff. He also said he looks forward to handling the pressure of fast-paced games and hopes to guide the squad with calm, effective man-management. 

Furthermore, he has experience as captain of the England Under-19s and scored his first professional century last month. Ireland, missing Josh Little through injury, still poses threats with Harry Tector and Paul Stirling. The series begins on Wednesday, September 17.

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Dewald Brevis took centre stage in the second T20 match against Australia at Darwin. The South African scored an unbeaten 125 runs off 56 balls. He hit 12 fours and eight sixes, helping South Africa reach 218 runs for 7 wickets.

Brevis reached his century in 41 balls, the second fastest in South African T20 history. This was his first hundred in international cricket. His strong hitting broke Australia’s nine-game winning streak in T20s.

Brevis and Tristan Stubbs built a big partnership of 126 runs in less than 10 overs. Stubbs added 31 runs and played a steady role as Brevis attacked. 

Australia struggled to keep up. Tim David was the only batsman to score well, with 50 runs from 24 balls. Alex Carey, brought in late to replace Josh Inglis, scored 26 runs.

South Africa won by 53 runs, tying the series at one match each. The final game will be in Cairns.

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England sealed a 3-0 T20 series win over West Indies after a 37-run victory in the final match. They posted 248 for three, their highest T20 score on home soil. Ben Duckett led the charge with 84 off 46 balls, sharing a 120-run stand with Jamie Smith, who struck 60 from 26. Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook added late firepower to close the innings.

West Indies replied with 211 for eight. Rovman Powell top-scored with an unbeaten 79 off 45 but lacked support. Johnson Charles and Shai Hope fell early, and England’s spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson kept control throughout.

The loss marks a tough end to the tour for the West Indies, who were beaten in all six white-ball matches. The team also faced a major blow with Nicholas Pooran’s exit from international cricket at age 29. Head coach Daren Sammy has warned that more players may follow.

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