"Luc Benkenstein Bethell set to make history as England’s youngest men’s cricket captain"
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Jacob Bethell to Become Youngest Man to Captain England in International Cricket
Jacob Bethell is set to make history this September as the youngest man to captain England in international cricket. The 21-year-old all-rounder will lead an understrength T20 side on a three-match tour of Ireland, stepping in while regular white-ball captain Harry Brook and other all-format players are rested.
The leadership opportunity marks a huge moment for Bethell, who has had limited playing time this summer. The record for England’s youngest captain has stood since 1889, when Monty Bowden led the Test side against South Africa at the age of 23 years and 144 days.
“The first emotion is pride,” Bethell told Sky Sports. “Captaining England is going to be an honour and I can’t wait to do it.”
A Show of Faith in Bethell’s Leadership
Before this appointment, Bethell’s captaincy experience came only at youth and second XI level — with England Under-19s and Warwickshire’s second team. Selector Luke Wright said the Ireland series would be “an opportunity for him to further develop those skills on the international stage.”
Bethell scored fifties in each of his first three Test matches last year but is still searching for his maiden professional century. His summer has been disrupted, missing the one-off Test against Zimbabwe for IPL duties and recording low scores when called into the fifth Test against India.
England’s Squads Announced
Alongside Bethell’s Ireland captaincy, England named squads for upcoming series against South Africa and Ireland:
ODI squad vs South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk).
T20 squad vs South Africa: Harry Brook (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Luke Wood.
T20 squad vs Ireland: 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), Luke Wood.
New Faces and Injury Concerns
Hampshire bowler Sonny Baker earns his first call-up after impressing in The Hundred. Fast bowler Mark Wood remains sidelined following knee surgery, with England prioritising his recovery ahead of the Ashes.
Phil Salt returns after paternity leave, but notable absentees include Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, despite holding central contracts.
A Chance to Regain Form
England’s decision to include Bethell in all squads against South Africa and Ireland could help him rediscover form ahead of the Ashes, where he is still expected to feature. By the time the series begins, he will have played just 25 first-class matches.
'Sesko has all the attributes'
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Benjamin Sesko Joins Manchester United in £73.7m Deal – Rooney Predicts Huge Impact
Newcastle United’s hopes of replacing Alexander Isak with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko were dashed after the 22-year-old chose to join Manchester United in a £73.7m transfer.
Sesko leaves Leipzig with an impressive record of 39 goals in 87 matches across all competitions, including 27 in 64 Bundesliga appearances. Notably, he is the highest-scoring player under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues.
Former United forward Wayne Rooney believes Sesko could be one of the best Premier League signings of the summer.
“I really like Sesko. He has all the attributes – big, strong, quick, great in the air, and can use both feet. But playing for Manchester United comes with massive pressure,” Rooney said.
Rooney’s Verdict on Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal
Rooney also tipped Viktor Gyokeres for success following his move from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal.
“I played against Gyokeres when he was at Coventry. He works hard, plays with energy, puts in tackles, and scores goals. Arsenal fans will love him – but the pressure will be huge because they haven’t had a consistent forward for years,” Rooney noted.
Manchester United’s Summer Overhaul
Sesko’s arrival follows United’s other attacking reinforcements: Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£65m + £6m add-ons).
Rooney says the revamp was essential after a disappointing 15th-place finish last season.
“The attacking players had lost confidence, and some didn’t even look like they wanted to be there. Credit to Ruben Amorim for moving them on and refreshing the squad,” he said.
Midfield Still a Priority
Despite the attacking upgrades, Rooney believes United still need a holding midfielder to compete at the top level. The club has been linked with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
“Baleba is physically strong and good on the ball. United need someone who can break up play and give their attackers the freedom to win games,” Rooney added.
'Grealish can become a fan favourite at Everton'
Jack Grealish Joins Everton on Loan from Manchester City – Wayne Rooney Hails ‘Great Signing’
Everton have pulled off one of the surprise moves of the summer by signing Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City.
The England international, who became the most expensive British player in history when he joined City from Aston Villa for £100m in August 2021, made over 150 appearances for the club, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup.
However, Grealish struggled for game time last season, starting only seven Premier League matches and missing out on City’s Club World Cup squad in the United States.
Rooney: ‘He Has a Point to Prove’
Former England captain Wayne Rooney believes the move will benefit both player and club.
“Jack is a player who can be the difference. He’s lost his England place, so this is a chance for him to prove himself again. Everton getting him now is a great piece of business,” Rooney told reporters.
The Number 18 Connection
Rooney revealed he met Grealish for dinner before the deal was finalised, where they spoke about shirt numbers.
“He told me number eight and number 18 were available. He remembered Paul Gascoigne took 18, then I wore it too – now Jack’s got it. That’s special,” Rooney said.
Why Everton Fans Will Love Him
Rooney also believes Grealish’s work ethic and creativity will quickly win over the Goodison Park faithful.
“Everton fans demand hard work, and Jack will bring that – plus the quality on top, which will make him a fans’ favourite,” Rooney added.
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