History will be made in Dublin this September when Ireland host England for their first-ever bilateral T20I series. While the two nations have crossed paths in ICC tournaments before, including Ireland’s famous win at the 2022 T20 World Cup, they have never locked horns in a standalone white-ball series of this format. The three matches, all at Malahide between 17 and 21 September, mark a fresh milestone in a growing cricketing rivalry.

Jacob Bethell to Make History as England’s Youngest Captain

Twenty-one-year-old Jacob Bethell is set to break a 136-year record by becoming the youngest-ever England men’s captain when he leads the side in Dublin. The Warwickshire all-rounder, who has already impressed with his versatility across formats, will be just 21 years and 329 days old when he takes the field.

This appointment of Bethell is set to rewrite the history books, leaping him ahead of Monty Bowden, who captained England at 23 years, back in 1889. With senior players like Harry Brook and Jofra Archer rested, Bethell steps into the role at a crucial juncture for England, supported by an exciting young squad and interim coach Marcus Trescothick. The three T20Is in Dublin will mark the start of a fresh chapter for England’s youth-driven white-ball strategy.

Ireland’s Big Opportunity

For Ireland, the series is equally significant. Their last bilateral face-off with England in T20Is was more than a decade ago, and they will relish the chance to measure themselves against a fresh yet talented English lineup. Matches at Malahide will also test Ireland’s depth, with the hosts looking to build momentum heading into their own World Cup preparations.

Ireland and England have encountered each other twice in global tournaments, once in the erstwhile World T20, when the fixture was abandoned due to rain in 2010 in Providence, and most memorably in 2022 at the T20 World Cup, when Ireland beat England at the MCG.

Facing a youthful side led by a debutant captain, Ireland will sense an opening to make another statement win and extend their winning run against their neighbours in this landmark bilateral series.

For Bethell, meanwhile, the series is more than just a record; it’s a first step in proving his leadership credentials against a spirited neighbour who thrives on defying the odds. For Ireland, it’s a chance to deepen a rivalry that, while not often seen in bilateral cricket, carries plenty of history and passion whenever the two meet.