Follow UsWhen Jacob Bethell leads England out in the first T20 International (T20I) against Ireland in Dublin on September 17, he will become England's youngest-ever captain. While there is no doubt that he is an exciting talent, many are questioning whether captaincy would add extra pressure on the young batter.
One of them is former England opening batter Michael Carberry, who has expressed his surprise over the decision.
"Speechless, surprised. Jacob Bethell is a talent, yes. I'm sure in the years to come he will be a first fixture in the England team, but I think at the moment, he should be focusing on getting runs, getting his form back, pushing his case for an England shirt," Carberry said on the Test Match Special podcast.
"I don't think he is in the best bracket of players statistically at the moment to warrant that. It's different time now, and it's not necessary that you are picked on statistics. But for me, looking at this summer, he has not had the breakthrough year that everybody expected. To me, it's just a little bit of a strange decision why you want to lump extra pressure on him at this stage.
While announcing the squad, England selector Luke Wright had said that Bethell was impressive with his leadership qualities since his call-up, and the Ireland series would give him a platform to express himself as a leader.
"Jacob 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," Wright had said.
The three-match T20I series against Ireland will begin on September 17 and will reach its conclusion on September 21. Before that, England will be involved in a white-ball series at home against South Africa.