Jacob Bethell Wins Toss, England Opt to Bowl First Against Ireland

England’s Jacob Bethell created history at Malahide by becoming the youngest-ever England captain, winning the toss and deciding to bowl first against Ireland in the 1st T20I. At 21, Bethell broke the long-standing record set in 1889 by Monty Bowden, who had led England at 23.

England made two changes from their previous outing, resting Jofra Archer and Harry Brook. Rehan Ahmed was included at No. 4 as one of five spin options, while Jamie Overton returned as the third seamer. Jordan Cox, along with Sonny Baker, Scott Currie, and Tom Hartley, remained on the bench.

Ireland, who defeated England in their only completed T20I meeting three years ago, went with a pace-heavy lineup. Captain Paul Stirling opted for four frontline seamers, supported by left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys. Gareth Delany was preferred in the middle order, while uncapped batter Ben Calitz missed out despite being in the squad.

Ireland XI: 

Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young.

England XI: 

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.