Jacob Bethell, at 21, is set to become the youngest England men's cricket captain for an international match, a record previously held since 1889.

He will lead a less experienced England team in the first of three T20 Internationals against Ireland at Malahide on Wednesday. Regular white-ball captain Harry Brook and other key players are rested for this series.

Bethell's previous captaincy experience includes leading the England Under-19s and Warwickshire's second XI, but this will be his first at the senior level. He expressed a focus on people management rather than rigid tactical plans.

While Bethell will be the youngest England captain in an international match, Alfred 'Bunny' Lucas remains the youngest in any match, leading a team against Gloucestershire in 1877.

Bethell, who made his England debut against Australia last year, expressed pride in this achievement and the opportunity it represents. He emphasized his focus on the current Ireland series, downplaying speculation about his role in the upcoming Ashes tour.

The England squad for the Ashes tour of Australia is expected to be announced next week, with discussions about Bethell potentially batting at number three in place of Ollie Pope. Bethell stated that he is fully concentrated on the Ireland series.

In this series against Ireland, Jordan Cox is set to replace Brook in the middle order, and either Sonny Baker or Scott Currie will fill in for Jofra Archer in the bowling attack.