Jacob Bethell

ECB announces England Men’s Central Contracts list for 2025-26

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:09:51 GMT

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the revised list of Central Contracts for England Men's International Cricket for the 2025-26 season. A total of 30 players will be provided contracts, 14 two-year central contracts, 12 annual central contracts, and four development contracts. The new contracts will support greater stability for players while also recognizing their performance levels and managing players across formats.

Among the list, Sonny Baker, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, and Luke Wood have received England Central Contracts for the first time. Meanwhile, Eddie Jack, Tom Lawes, and Mitchell Stanley have signed England Development Contracts for the first time, joining Josh Hull, who continues in the same category.

The ECB stated that the Central Contract system covers both red-ball and white-ball cricket, factoring in each player’s likelihood of featuring for England across formats in the coming period, while also recognizing consistent performances over the past year.

Rob Key on the Updated Contract Structure

“This year’s central contract group reflects the depth and strength of talent we have across England Men’s cricket. We have awarded two-year deals to our multi-format players so we can manage their workloads responsibly and give them the stability they need to perform across formats,” said Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, as quoted by the ECB.

He further added, “We have also secured a number of white-ball players on longer agreements to help us plan effectively around the growing franchise calendar and ensure England remains their priority. This structure allows us to support our players properly while maintaining strong squads across all formats as much as possible.”

England Two-Year Central Contracts (30 September 2027)

Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue

England One-Year Central Contracts (30 September 2026)

Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker*, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson*, Saqib Mahmood*, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, Mark Wood, Luke Wood

England Development Contracts

Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Tom Lawes, Mitchell Stanley

England tour of Ireland, 2025, 1st T20I: England vs Ireland, Probable Playing 11, Where To Watch, Live Streaming Details

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:09:45 GMT

Ireland (IRE) will take on England (ENG) in the opening T20I of the three-match series at The Village in Dublin on Wednesday, September 17. The hosts come into the contest after a tough home series against the West Indies, where they faced a 0-1 defeat. Determined to bounce back, Ireland will aim to put in a stronger performance this time. With the home advantage in their favor, the team will rely on its players’ skills and resilience to challenge England in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

On the other hand, England enter the series in positive spirits after drawing their recent T20I battle against South Africa. Under Jacob Bethell’s leadership, the side has shown consistency and balance, which will be vital in this contest. Despite being aware of the tricky conditions in Dublin, the visitors possess enough depth and talent to adapt effectively. England will be eager to start the series on a strong note and set the tone for the remaining games.

England vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

Match	Ireland vs England, 1st T20I, England tour of Ireland 2025
Venue	The Village, Dublin
Date & Time	Wednesday, September 17, 6:00 PM (IST)
Broadcast and Live Streaming	FanCode (app & website)

England vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

Ireland (Probable Playing XI):

Paul Stirling(c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Benjamin White, Jordan Neil, Craig Young

England (Probable Playing XI):

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell (C), Tom Banton, Jamie Overton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Saqib Mahmood

Shock record broken! Jacob Bethell named youngest England ever captain

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:16:40 GMT

Jacob Bethell will make history this week when, at age 21, he becomes England's youngest-ever captain. The left-handed batter, who made his international debut just a year ago, will take charge of England's T20 series against Ireland in Malahide. His rise has been fast and astonishing, accumulating 34 caps, nine fifties, and a maiden hundred since he took the international stage in 2023 against Australia.

Bethell admitted to "being very nervous" on his debut, although now he is stirring up that challenge with a smile on his face by saying he is someone who loves the game when it's played at pace. His captaincy experience is limited, however: he played a handful of matches when he was captain of England Under-19s, he captained at schoolboy level, and spent some time captaining Warwickshire's seconds. The management of England views Bethell as a future superstar.

Bethell takes charge as England’s youngest captain against Ireland.

The decision was influenced by circumstance, too. Their regular captain, Harry Brook, and the senior multi-format players have all been rested for the tour, whilst Jos Buttler is being eased out rather than handed the captaincy for what will be a short transitional series. Bethell does not know if he will take charge of the team, but he learned he was captain, having been told by Brendon McCullum a month ago. His first reaction was pride mixed with excitement and nerves.

ALSO SEE: BREAKING NEWS!! Pakistan pull out of Asia Cup 2025 amid handshake controversy: Report

Paul Stirling, his Irish counterpart, commended Bethell, reminiscing about when they were together at Warwickshire. "You could see the talent when he was 18. The way he was striking the ball, he was top class," Stirling said, admitting he was not surprised to see Bethell in a captaincy role.

England’s youngest captains in men’s internationals

Name	Age	First Match
Jacob Bethell	21y, 329d	T20I vs IRE, Dublin 2025
Monty Bowden	23y, 144d	Test vs SA, Cape Town 1889
Ivo Bligh	23y, 292d	Test vs AUS, Melbourne 1882
Ian Botham	24y, 186d	ODI vs WI, Leeds 1980
Alastair Cook	24y, 325d	T20I vs SA, Centurion 2009
Eoin Morgan	24y, 349d	ODI vs IRE, Dublin 2011

Recent performances have only confirmed the decision. Bethell scored his first century against South Africa just over a week ago, which gave him the confidence that filled many hearts and stilled any Dutton resident's previous thoughts of scepticism about him being promoted. "When you feel that kind of feeling you have by yourself, it's pretty addictive... I really think it has helped me stand up for myself in high-pressure situations," he said.

A dose of inspiration has come into his thinking from Ben Stokes when Bethell expressed he is planning to captain by example, but is focused on "managing people" and "supporting" his teammates. With interim head coach Marcus Trescothick in charge, Bethell hopes not to be tactical in a decision-making stand-first, instead finding the balance in order to build trust with the players.

As England prepares to face Ireland, Bethell's leadership represents not only his own remarkable route but also possibly a glimpse into the future of English cricket. Few do not think it will be his "last" role as captain. In fact, for Bethell, it may just be the beginning.

South Africa tour of England, 2025 , 1st T20i: South Africa vs England, Probable Playing 11, Where To Watch, Live Streaming Details

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:19:01 GMT

England (ENG) and South Africa (SA) are all set to renew their rivalry in the first T20I of the three-match series, starting Wednesday, September 10, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The two sides recently battled in a hard-fought ODI series, where South Africa emerged victorious with a 2-1 triumph. With the limited-overs momentum on their side, the visitors will aim to continue their dominance, while the hosts will be determined to bounce back strongly in the shortest format in front of their home fans.

England will take confidence from their previous T20I series at home, where they registered a commanding 3-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka. The Jos Buttler-led side boasts plenty of firepower in both batting and bowling departments and will be eager to kick-start the series with a win. On the other hand, South Africa arrive in Cardiff after losing their recent T20I series against Australia 2-1 and will hope to rectify their mistakes.

South Africa vs England, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

Match	England vs South Africa, 1st T20I, South Africa tour of England 2025
Venue	Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Date & Time	Wednesday, September 10, 11:00 PM (IST)
Broadcast & Live Streaming	SonyLIV (App & Website), FanCode (App & Website)

South Africa vs England, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

England (Probable Playing XI):

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Captain), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

South Africa (Probable Playing XI):

Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi

England smash records with historic 342-run win over South Africa

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:11:37 GMT

England wrapped up that three-match ODI series against South Africa in a really big way. They got this huge 342-run win at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday. It was kind of historic, you know. Even though they had already lost the series after dropping the first two games. Jos Buttler's team put on a show in the last one. Like, a performance for the ages, basically.

They batted first and just piled on the runs. Ended up with 414 for 5 in 50 overs. That was massive. Jacob Bethell scored a century, 110 runs. Joe Root got 100 too. Those two put together this solid partnership. Left the South African bowlers scratching their heads, no real answers there. Then the middle order came in and finished it off strong. Pushed the total over 400, you know.

Archer leads the charge as England rewrite ODI record books

South Africa had to chase that big number. People figured they'd fight back some, since they batted pretty well in the earlier matches. But nope. Jofra Archer came in hot with his bowling. Fiery spell that blew them away. He took 4 for 18. Dismantled their top order with all that pace and precision. Adil Rashid chipped in with 3 wickets as a spinner. Brydon Carse got 2 with his pace. They all supported each other well. South Africa just crumbled. All out for 72 in only 20.5 overs.

ALSO SEE: On This Day: Birthday of Shubman Gill who became one of the youngest Test captains for team India

England's 342-run win put their name in the history books. It beats everything before in ODIs by runs. They topped India's big 317-run beatdown of Sri Lanka back in 2023. Thing is, no team's ever done better than 340 runs since one-day cricket started in 1971.

South Africa got hit hard here. This loss tops their worst ever in ODIs. It went past that 276-run thrashing from Australia earlier this year. Their batsmen fell apart quick too. That innings lasted only 24.5 overs. Second shortest in ODI records.

Archer got the Player of the Match nod, and he earned it with that killer spell. He talked about it after. He said, "Even before I bowled a ball, I knew it was going to be difficult for them since we scored over 300. I just tried to hit the pitch hard and keep it straight. Playing three games in a row means a lot to me."

England lost the series 2-1 overall. But this massive win in Southampton, you know, it's going to stick in people's minds as a real landmark in ODI cricket.

WATCH: 21-year-old RCB batter's maiden ODI century on challenging surface during ENG vs SA 3rd ODI

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:18:45 GMT

A big inning during the hour of need. Young England batter Jacob Bethell scored a quick-paced century against South Africa when the England (ENG vs SA 3rd ODI) cricket team was fighting to save their prestige in Southampton. In 76 balls, the 21-year-old batter completed his hundred with style. He smashed a boundary to complete his maiden ODI century.

During the second ball of the 40th over of the first innings during England vs. South Africa (ENG vs. SA), the 3rd of the 3-match ODI series, he found the boundary rope against Nandre Burger. The South African went for a yorker but missed by an inch, around off. By then, the young batter had positioned himself well enough to swing his arms freely. Bethell leans and creams it through covers for a boundary to touch the 100-run mark. The century came after a half-century he scored during the second match of the series.

Bethell is establishing himself at the number 4 position in the ODI format steadily. He went back to the pavilion after scoring 110 against 82 deliveries with 13 boundaries and 3 over boundaries. Experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj helped South Africa to remove the in-form English batter from the crease. Jacob went down the pitch again and went big.

Maharaj read this move early and had a quicker and wider delivery to avoid the bleed—an easy stumping for Ryan Rickelton. Before the drinks break, Bethell and Joe Root stitched a hundred-run partnership, which helped England to go beyond the 300-run mark.

What a moment 👏
What a talent 🙌
A dream come true 🥹@IGCom | 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvSA 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/9NkEMQ4dNd
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2025

His stint with RCB

Bethell emerged as one of the most promising batters in world cricket. He was with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their historic campaign in IPL 2025. Though, the southpaw contributed in only two matches for them.

In a couple of IPL 2025 games, the middle-order batter scored a total of 67 runs, including a 55-run knock. Bethell can be a huge prospect for the England cricket team and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well in the future.

"‘Northern Superchargers Ne Birmingham Phoenix Ko Dhool Chata Di, Birmingham Phoenix Ka Vijay Rath Ruka’" – Fans go wild as Northern Superchargers win over Birmingham Phoenix

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 12:12:52 GMT

In the 14th match of The Hundred 2025, Northern Superchargers took on Birmingham Phoenix at Headingley, Leeds. Phoenix captain Liam Livingstone won the toss and chose to bowl, thinking the pitch would be better for batting later. David Miller came in for Graham Clark for the Superchargers, while Chris Wood replaced Dan Mousley for Phoenix.

Zak Crawley got the hosts off to a flying start with 45 runs from 23 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. Dawid Malan followed with a classy 58 from 34 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Captain Harry Brook finished strong with 31 off 14 balls, and Dan Lawrence chipped in with 15 runs, helping the team post a big total of 193/5 in their 100 balls.

Phoenix had a terrible start, losing three wickets in the first 16 balls. Ben Duckett’s poor form continued, but Livingstone and Jacob Bethell fought back with an 80-run partnership. Bethell hit 48 off 23 balls with three fours and three sixes, while Livingstone scored 46 off 31 with one four and four sixes. Once they got out, the chase lost momentum, and Northern Superchargers wrapped up a 36-run win to move to the top of the points table.

ALSO READ: Jitesh Sharma likely to include in Asia Cup 2025 squad: Report

Twitter reactions after NS wins 14th match of The Hundred 2025

A dominant all-round show from the Northern Superchargers as they cruise to a 36-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix. 🔥

Adil Rashid’s 2/26 earns him Player of the Match. 🙌🏼#TheHundred #Cricket #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/GePQjcafvZ
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 16, 2025

Table toppers 📈

Northern Superchargers claim the top spot with their win over Birmingham Phoenix 👊#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/sSkksYqqIb
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 15, 2025

Northern Superchargers move to the top of the table with a convincing win 📈

Scorecard 🔗 https://t.co/qmthgen8eA pic.twitter.com/tM0kTp90Jd
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 15, 2025

Adil Rashid spins Superchargers to the top of the table in The Hundredhttps://t.co/Qv3FyC6tC6

Adil Rashid starred with the ball as Northern Superchargers claimed the outright lead in the men's Hundred with a thrilling win over Birmingham Phoenix in front of a packed crowd at… pic.twitter.com/B5A5ibXNof
— Ariana News (@ArianaNews_) August 16, 2025

Northern Superchargers’ openers gave them a flying start, and Harry Brook carried that momentum to a powerful finish as they ended on a massive 193 💪

Scorecard 🔗 https://t.co/qmthgen8eA pic.twitter.com/UEDjkmfBUI
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 15, 2025

🔥 Spin Wizardry from Adil Rashid!

Northern Superchargers go top of the table after a dominant win over Birmingham Phoenix. 🏏

#TheHundred #AdilRashid #NSCvBP #TheHundred2025 #northernsuperchargers #BirminghamPhoenix #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Y3rZs1s8Pd
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 16, 2025

🔥 Superchargers on Fire! 🔥

The Northern Superchargers win big against the Birmingham Phoenix by 36 runs!

A dominant batting performance and a clinical bowling display secured the victory at Headingley.

#TheHundred #NSCvBP #Cricket #TheHundred2025 #northernsuperchargers… pic.twitter.com/YL5irxfx5q
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 16, 2025

England announce star RCB player as captain for Ireland T20I series

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 22:09:50 GMT

Jacob Bethell is all set to lead England's men as the youngest captain on an international tour against Ireland in Dublin. England will face Ireland in a three-match T20I. For that, England and Wells Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to put the leadership duties on the 21-year-old's shoulder.

To date, Monty Bowden remains the youngest man to have captained England in an international assignment. He was only 23 years and 144 days old when he led England in a Test against South Africa in 1889. Bethell will break the record, set in 1889, as soon as he steps onto the cricket field in Dublin. ECB named a squad with multiple emerging talents for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland, starting from September 17, 2025.

England's regular skipper for the white ball format, Harry Brook, and some other experienced cricketers will skip the series to take a break. Brook, Archer, Carse, Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Jamie Smith are all set to be rested during the tour. Sonny Baker got his first international call ahead of the series, while players like Liam Livingston and Sam Curran were again overlooked by the cricket board.

21-year-old Jacob Bethell was a member of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 winning squad. Though he got to play only 2 matches in the campaign and scored 67 runs, including a 55-run innings.

Ireland v England fixtures:

September, 2025

17 1st ODI, Malahide (13:30 BST)

19 2nd ODI, Malahide (13:30 BST)

21 3rd ODI, Malahide (13:30 BST)

England T20 squad for Ireland tour:

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

[WATCH] ‘I don’t think…’- Former England captain reacts to England’s selection in ENG vs IND 5th Test at Kennington Oval

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 09:00:24 GMT

The former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has blamed the home management for the selection of the young players in the fifth and final Test of the series against India at the Kennington Oval. He reckoned that the players, who had played just one first-class game this summer, shouldn’t be judged on their performance here.

England’s hands were tied behind their backs in selection after their captain, Ben Stokes, was ruled out of the game with several injuries. They also decided to give rest to Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, keeping an eye on the Ashes 2025/26 trip, which opened the gate for young left-arm spin all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, into the side.

‘It has been an epic. It has been a brilliant series. I think this England side, on this kind of pitch, I liked the way they played today. The only thing I will say, in terms of selection, is that they have picked players who have played no cricket. And to throw them into the hotbed of international cricket in front of the amount of people, with so many more watching, not just here, but on TV screens around the world, it’s not an easy game.’ Vaughan expressed on ‘Test Match Special.’

Watch: Michael Vaughan lashes England management for selection of inexperienced Jacob Bethell

The veteran reckoned that considering the situation of the series and how it was standing at a 2-1 margin coming into the game with India putting their all, it wouldn’t be right to put the 21-year-old Bethell into the hotbed kind of a situation.

“I don’t think you’re giving a kid the best chance at this level” 🗣️ @MichaelVaughan

Were England wrong to throw inexperienced Jacob Bethell in at the deep end at The Oval? 🤔 #BBCCricket #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/CmuZYIdEZA
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) August 1, 2025

‘If it were that easy, anyone could have played Test match cricket. If you are throwing a 21-year-old into this situation on the back of the one first-class match in our summer, I find that extraordinary. I don’t think you’re giving a kid the best chance of succeeding at this level.’ Vaughan added.

Bethell, who got a handful of overs on the green seam-friendly surface, contributed with just six runs in 14 balls before getting leg before the stumps by Mohammed Siraj. He, however, will have another chance to change the equation in the second innings.

[WATCH] Mohammed Siraj strikes again to dismiss Jacob Bethell in 5th Test at The Oval

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 20:17:52 GMT

Mohammed Siraj continued his impressive run in the ongoing fifth Test between India and England at The Oval by claiming his third wicket of the innings, dismissing England’s Jacob Bethell for just 6 runs. The crucial breakthrough came at a time when England were beginning to recover after a fiery start, and Siraj’s spell has firmly tilted the momentum back in India’s favour.

The wicket came in the 37th over of England’s first innings. Siraj, running in with purpose, delivered a full-length delivery that swung in late and beat Bethell’s attempted forward defense. The ball struck him flush on the front pad, and the umpire, Ahsan Raza, wasted no time raising the finger. Bethell, knowing he was beaten all ends up, walked back without a review. At that point, England were reduced to 195/5, still trailing India’s first-innings score of 224 by 29 runs.

Siraj’s wicket added to what has been an exceptional passage of play for the visitors. With conditions overcast and a steady breeze across The Oval, Siraj exploited the movement perfectly, mixing swing and seam with relentless intensity. His figures at that moment read 3 wickets, further cementing his position as one of India’s most impactful bowlers in the series.

Watch the video:

#INDvENG #INDvsENG #ENGvsIND

Siraj has really stepped up 🔥🔥

What a ball 👏👏

Here's the wicket video of Bethell👇 pic.twitter.com/0038dzwa11
— Khan (@Khanmohammed12) August 1, 2025

ALSO SEE: Will Chris Woakes bat in first innings of ENG vs IND fifth Test?

Siraj’s third wicket dents England’s reply as India fight back in series-deciding fifth Test at The Oval

Earlier in the day, England had done well with the ball, bundling India out for 224 thanks largely to Gus Atkinson’s brilliant five-wicket haul. Karun Nair top-scored for India with 57, while Washington Sundar played a handy supporting role.

Despite a rain-marred Day 1, which saw multiple interruptions and early Tea sessions, the match has picked up pace on Day 2. England’s top order showed flashes of aggression, but Siraj’s spell brought India right back into the contest.

With the series level at 2-2 and both teams eager to seal the decider, every session matters. Siraj’s fiery bowling has ensured that India stays right in the hunt. For fans watching live, Bethell’s dismissal is a must-watch moment of this gripping contest.