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The young cricketer is ready for the national team to throw me in the deep end” as he prepares to lead the team for the debut against the Irish on Wednesday, making him the nation’s youngest men’s captain.

With a key player given a break for this quickfire three-match T20 series in Malahide, just north of Dublin, the 21-year-old takes over to extend his quick climb in the global game. He made his national team bow last autumn and impressed in his first Test series against New Zealand at the close of the season. Yet to seal a fixed spot in the Test lineup, he has become an first-choice selection in the coach’s limited-overs sides.

“Baz phoned me and said I was going to be leader,” stated the young star. “Not much has been said of why I’ve been picked for the position. I’m unsure of the precise rationale of those making decisions. I suppose it’s maybe just a bit of trust, and demonstrating a belief. It’ll prove nice to witness how I perform under pressure, and I’m sure that the people who chose me would want to observe that as well.”

“I thrive on when situations come at a quick tempo, it tends to energize me and going. So I prefer those moments, doesn’t mean they guarantee success. But hopefully this one does.”

Even with plenty of experienced names in the team to face the hosts, his ascension is in keeping with the management’s daring tendencies when it regards selection. He will need to draw from his earlier stints of guiding the youth team.

Type of Captaincy

“A very young one,” answered a smiling Bethell when asked what type of leader he is. “What matters most I’ve looked up to in captains I’ve had previously is how they handle teammates. Some strategic call you make is going to work, but it’s supporting the lads well so they feel you’re supporting them. I’ve got no preconceived ideas of how I’ll approach it.”

Bethell has regained touch with the bat since he was named as captain last four weeks, having scored his first professional century in the final one-dayer against the Proteas less than a fortnight ago. “I didn’t play for a spell and maybe slipped in rhythm, but regained that groove improve about midway through the tournament so it’s fantastic to be back confident.” He avoided any in-depth speculation: “My head’s firmly focused to the Ireland games.”

Rivals Threats

One batsman and Paul Stirling “represent the biggest dangers with the bat” for the opposition, noted the skipper. The hosts enter rusty having not played since June – a completely different story to England – and will be without the sharp bowling of a key bowler, on the recovery from a side strain. However, the only finished T20 clash between these two teams brought an upset in Melbourne at the global tournament three years ago, a warning that it might not prove all easy for the new captain over the series.