Harry Brook Lauds Young Talents Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell Ahead of T20 Series
Brook's Praise for Emerging Stars
London [UK], August 20: England's captain Harry Brook has expressed admiration for young all-rounders Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell, highlighting Ahmed as a "fantastic talent who has stepped up" and noting Bethell's potential to lead as an "aggressive" captain for the national team.
Brook will take a break during the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland in September, while Bethell, at just 21 years old, is poised to become England's youngest captain in international cricket. Meanwhile, Rehan has garnered attention for his impressive performances in both the County Championship and The Hundred.
Regarding Bethell, Brook remarked, as reported by Sky Sports, that he sees great promise in him as a future captain for England. "He has a keen understanding of the game and is always looking to advance it, much like I do. We share similar thoughts. I believe he will be an assertive captain, consistently applying pressure on opposing batters and bowlers, which is exactly what we need," he stated.
Since making his debut last year, the 21-year-old has had a commendable run across all formats, amassing 869 runs at an average of 37.78, including eight fifties in 30 innings, with a top score of 96. With the ball, he has claimed 14 wickets at an average of 32.00, achieving best figures of 3/72.
In The Hundred tournament, Bethell has faced challenges, scoring only 80 runs in five innings, but recent performances of 48 and 18* indicate a positive trend after a series of lower scores with Birmingham Phoenix.
Brook also praised Rehan, a spin-bowling all-rounder, who has been included in the white-ball squads for the upcoming series against South Africa following a successful domestic season. He has scored 760 runs in 10 matches at an average of 50.66, featuring five centuries and a fifty, while also taking 23 wickets at an impressive average of 19.00, with best figures of 7/93 and two five-wicket hauls.
In his international career, Rehan has taken 44 wickets in 21 matches, with his last appearance for England being against the West Indies last year.
Brook commented on Rehan's development, stating, "He is an exceptional talent who has elevated his game this year with the bat. I'm pleased to see him batting in the top three for the Rockets. He has seized opportunities and excelled, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball, as well as in the field, which are essential attributes for a top player."
In the current edition of The Hundred, Rehan has scored 114 runs in five matches at an average of 28.50, with a best score of 45*, and has taken five wickets at an average of over 17, proving to be a valuable all-round asset for Trent Rockets.
England squads for the upcoming white-ball summer:
ODI series vs South Africa: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith.
T20 series vs South Africa: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.
T20 series vs Ireland: Jacob Bethell (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.