WARWICKSHIRE CCC’s Ashes-bound all-rounder Jacob Bethell has earned a two-year central contract with England.
The 22-year-old, previously on a development deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is one of 30 players handed a central contract.
Bethell enjoyed a breakthrough year with England which included becoming his country’s youngest-ever men’s captain on the international stage on a tour of Ireland in September.
He replaced Monty Bowden as England’s youngest men’s captain in international cricket – a record which stood for 136 years.
Managing director of England men’s cricket, Rob Key said: “This year’s central contract group reflects the depth and strength of talent we have across England men’s cricket.
“We have awarded two-year deals to our multi-format players, so we can manage their workloads responsibly and give them the stability they need to perform across formats.
“We have also secured a number of white-ball players on longer agreements to help us plan effectively around the growing franchise calendar and ensure England remains their priority.
“This structure allows us to support our players properly while maintaining strong squads across all formats as much as possible.”
Bethell made his senior England debut in a T20 match against Australia in September 2024.
He later featured for his country in a Test series in New Zealand where he score a quickfire half-century.
Bethell registered his first international century in a one-day international (ODI) against South Africa in September.
He then captained England to two wins against Ireland with the other scheduled fixture abandoned due to rain.
Bethell also forms part of England’s 16-man Ashes squad for the upcoming series against Australia.
The first Ashes test takes place in Perth from November 21 to 25.
