England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred with aw knee injury sustained during the recent one-day international series against India. Bethell had been named as Birmingham Phoenix captain for the season. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that the left hand batter had an MRI scan on Monday but they have not indicated when he will return. It is a blow for Bethell to miss out on the experience of captaincy, as he is regarded as a future England leader, having already led the side in a T20 series against Ireland last year.

Bethell was retained by Birmingham Phoenix in the auction earlier this year with a contract worth £340,000. He will be replaced by South Africa's Donovan Ferreira as Birmingham Phoenix skipper. Their opening match is against Trent Rockets at Edgbaston on Friday, 24th July.

Bethell expressed his disappointment, stating, "It's frustrating to miss out on The Hundred. Unfortunately, I need to take the time to get back to full fitness." The England & Wales Cricket Board medical team will oversee his recovery, aiming for his return in the following series against Pakistan. England's Test series against Pakistan will begin on August 19 and they will be hoping that Jacob Bethell can recover and be available for selection.

Birmingham Phoenix head coach expresses disappointment over Bethell's injury 

Birmingham Phoenix head coach Shane Bond admitted the franchise was disappointed to lose both its captain and one of its most influential players but stressed that Bethell's long-term recovery remains the priority.

"We're all incredibly disappointed for Jacob and gutted he won't be able to join us this year. 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. Everyone at the club wishes him the very best with his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on the field as soon as possible, " Bond said in the official statement released by the franchise.

The Englishman played a key role for Birmingham Phoenix during The Hundred 2025, featuring in eight matches as a middle-order all-rounder. He scored 122 runs at a strike rate of 143.53 while also picking up three wickets with his left-arm spin.