A New Chapter for the Birmingham Phoenix
The Birmingham Phoenix have officially signaled a bold change in direction ahead of the 2026 season of The Hundred, naming batting sensation Jacob Bethell as the new men’s captain. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise, as they look to build on their squad depth and tactical identity under new management.
The Meteoric Rise of Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell’s journey to the captaincy is nothing short of remarkable. Just last September, he etched his name into the history books by becoming England’s youngest-ever men’s captain. At the time, he guided the side to a commanding 2-0 T20I series victory over Ireland while deputizing for Harry Brook. While some viewed the appointment as a daring gamble—with Bethell himself joking that the selectors wanted to “chuck me in the deep end”—his performance proved that his leadership credentials were far beyond his years.
His tactical growth has been bolstered by his role as the de facto vice-captain for England throughout the busy winter schedule. Serving as Brook’s right-hand man during white-ball series in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and throughout the T20 World Cup, has provided him with the high-pressure experience necessary to lead a franchise in the fiercely competitive environment of The Hundred.
A Breakthrough Year on the Field
It is not just his leadership that has caught the eye. Bethell has enjoyed an explosive winter, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young talents in global cricket. He achieved the rare distinction of becoming the youngest England player to score a century across all three international formats. His standout hundreds against Australia in the fifth Ashes Test and a blistering performance against India in the T20 World Cup semi-final serve as clear evidence of his ability to perform when the stakes are highest.
With a pre-signing contract worth £340,000, the Phoenix clearly see Bethell as the cornerstone of their future. He takes over the armband from Liam Livingstone, who has moved on to the London Spirit.
Leadership and Vision
Reflecting on his new responsibility, Bethell expressed his pride: “I’m incredibly proud to be named captain of the Birmingham Phoenix. Leading this team is a huge honour, and it’s an opportunity I’m ready for, especially after the experience of captaining England last year. That responsibility taught me a lot about my own leadership and how to bring the best out of a group.”
His new head coach, Shane Bond, who has recently taken the reins from Daniel Vettori, is equally enthusiastic. Bond stated: “Jacob is an outstanding young leader who has already shown maturity beyond his years. His experience captaining England last year demonstrated his tactical awareness and composure, as well as the ability to inspire those around him.”
Continuity for the Women’s Side
While the men’s team enters a new era, the Birmingham Phoenix have prioritized continuity for their women’s side. The franchise confirmed that legendary all-rounder Ellyse Perry will continue as captain for her third consecutive season. Working alongside head coach Ali Maiden, Perry remains a central figure at Edgbaston.
“I’m really honoured to captain Birmingham Phoenix Women again,” Perry noted. “Edgbaston is a special place to play cricket, and I’m looking forward to leading what we’re hoping will be a young and exciting squad of players who can play an eye-catching brand of cricket.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The combination of Bethell’s youthful energy under the guidance of Shane Bond, and the seasoned, world-class leadership of Ellyse Perry, positions the Birmingham Phoenix as a team to watch in the coming season. As the franchise prepares for the challenges ahead, the focus remains on fostering talent, tactical innovation, and securing success on the biggest stages of domestic cricket.
