IRE vs ENG 2025: 'I want to lead by example like Ben Stokes' - Jacob Bethell on being appointed as England captain in T20Is versus Ireland

Published - 16 Aug 2025, 21:58 IST | Updated - 16 Aug 2025, 21:59 IST

Ben Stokes is regarded as one of the most influential captains in modern-day cricket in the longest format. The star all-rounder recently featured in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he impressed with bat and ball and also as a skipper.

Jacob Bethell, who was recently appointed as England's stand-in T20I captain for the series against Ireland in Dublin in September, said that he will look to lead from the front like Stokes. The 21-year-old will become the youngest cricketer to captain England in international cricket.

"I think a big thing I've noticed with Stokesy is that he leads with actions. He's always kind of the guy that takes the precedence and takes the situation on himself. So I'll be looking to do that as much as possible. Obviously, he does it in a bit of a different way with bowling, bowling fast and stuff like that, but I'll try and be doing that with a bat and ball and in the field as much as possible. But yeah, I think the biggest thing is trying to lead by example," said Bethell on Sky Sports.

The Barbados-born is also aiming to recreate their 6-0 white ball series whitewash against the West Indies from earlier this year in the forthcoming tour.

"Yeah, quite a day. Obviously, finding out is kind of the first emotion that comes is pride. Yeah, captain in England is obviously going to be an honour, and I can't wait to do it. Yeah, definitely, obviously getting picked for England's always an honour. But yeah, we had a great series against West Indies at the start of this summer," he added.

Bethell played the final Test match between India and England earlier this month at The Oval. However, he failed to make it count, registering scores of 6 and 5, and bowling just six overs without picking up a wicket. The talented youngster will look to impress in the impending white-ball games for the Three Lions.

Ahead of the Ireland tour, England will host South Africa in a three-match ODI series, followed by as many T20Is. Harry Brook will lead the hosts in both the ODI and T20I assignments against the Proteas.