Barbadian all-rounder set to make England debut

SOUTHAMPTON, England (CMC):

BARBADIAN ALL-ROUNDER Jacob Bethell is in line to make his debut for England in the opening T20 against Australia today.

Bethell, 20, along with Jordan Cox will earn their first caps after being named in England’s starting XI.

He will play alongside fellow Barbadian Jofra Archer, who has also been included.

Jamie Overton will also play his first T20 for England, adding to his one Test cap, which came against New Zealand in 2022.

Bowler Saqib Mahmood makes his first England appearance since March 2023, having overcome a second stress fracture in his back.

Three T20s against Australia are followed by five One-Day Internationals, with England picking a youthful squad as they look to the future after relinquishing their T20 and 50-over world titles in the past 10 months.

Phil Salt will captain the side during the T20s in the absence of injured skipper Jos Buttler.