Jacob Bethell ruled out of Hundred, doubtful for Pakistan series

Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the men's Hundred with a knee injury and is also in doubt for England's three-match Test series against Pakistan. Bethell was set to captain Birmingham Phoenix this season, but the setback has robbed him of valuable leadership experience.

The southpaw hurt his right knee during the course of England's 2-1 ODI series win against India. He underwent an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan on Monday to gather knowledge of the extent of damage to his knee and subsequently pulled out of the competition. The ECB has not specified a timeframe for his return to action. The England-Pakistan series is set to get underway on August 19 in Headingley, and Bethell might be touch-and-go for that.

"Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred due to a right knee injury," an England statement read. "Bethell sustained the injury during the Metro Bank ODI Series and underwent an MRI scan yesterday morning. He will begin his rehabilitation and we will update in due course."

Phoenix had retained Bethell for £340,000 and announced him as captain but have now named South Africa's explosive batter Donovan Ferreira as their new captain for the season. Ferreira is a two-time Hundred winner with Oval Invincibles but has limited leadership experience. He has captained South Africa in four T20Is with one win and three losses.

Bethell voiced his frustration and said: "It's frustrating to miss out on the Hundred, especially representing Birmingham Phoenix in front of our supporters at Edgbaston. Unfortunately, I need to take the time to get back to full fitness. My focus now is on completing my rehabilitation and returning fully fit."

Warwickshire and US investment fund Knighthead Capital jointly own Phoenix. England's iconic footballer Jude Bellingham also holds a minority stake in the franchise.

Phoenix's head coach Shane Bond expressed his disappointment over Bethell's injury but expected Ferreira to rise to the occasion.

"We're all incredibly disappointed for Jacob and gutted he won't be able to join us this year," Bond said. "It's frustrating to lose a player of his quality, not least your captain, this close to the tournament but his long-term fitness has to be the priority. We're lucky to have someone of his stature to step into the captaincy."

Pakistan's tour of England 2026