On September 1, 2025, the England and Wales Cricket Board unveiled an 18-player squad for the upcoming Youth One-Day International series against Ireland Men U19s and Bangladesh Men U19s, blending experienced performers with six uncapped talents. The series, running from September 2 to September 14, 2025, will be played across three English venues: Loughborough University Cricket Ground, Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol, and The County Ground in Beckenham. It’s more than just a series — it’s a proving ground for the next generation of England cricketers, with several players on the cusp of international debuts.
Leadership Split Between Two Young Captains
The squad features an unusual leadership split. Ben Dawkins, the 18-year-old South African-born batter from Kent County Cricket Club, will captain England in the one-off match against Ireland on September 2. Dawkins, who made headlines in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup with gritty half-centuries, was chosen for his calm demeanor under pressure. Then, for the five-match series against Bangladesh, Thomas Rew of Somerset County Cricket Club takes over. Rew, also 18, was the tournament’s top run-scorer with over 300 runs — a performance that screamed "future opener."The decision to split captaincy isn’t arbitrary. It’s a strategic move by the ECB to test leadership styles across different oppositions. Ireland, preparing for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup, will be physical and aggressive. Bangladesh, meanwhile, bring spin-heavy attacks and a reputation for grinding down opponents. Two captains. Two challenges. One goal: find who can handle the heat.
Six Uncapped Players on the Brink
Six players are set to make their international U19 debuts. Among them, Will Bennison (Yorkshire), Jamie Feldman (Middlesex), Luke Hands (Lancashire), Joe Hawkins (Derbyshire), Manny Lumsden (Hampshire), and Jack Nelson (Middlesex) are all under 19 and have been quietly impressing in county Second Eleven and List-A matches.Feldman, for instance, took seven wickets in four List-A appearances in August — including a three-wicket haul on debut against Kent at Radlett. Nelson, just 17, has already scored three half-centuries in Second Eleven games. These aren’t names you hear on highlights — yet. But they’re the kind of quiet performers who become mainstays by 2027.
Standouts From the One-Day Cup
The squad is loaded with players who shone in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. Alex Green of Leicestershire County Cricket Club was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 19 wickets at an average of 14.7. His ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a perfect foil for spin-heavy attacks like Bangladesh’s.And then there’s James Isbell. The 18-year-old Middlesex all-rounder isn’t uncapped — he’s already played for England U19s against Ireland in 2024 and India in 2025. His unbeaten 45* on debut at Loughborough and a gritty 77 against India show he thrives under pressure. He’s the bridge between the newbies and the established.
Match Results: England’s Opening Win Over Ireland
The series kicked off on September 2 with a dramatic win for England against Ireland at Loughborough. Rain interrupted the match twice, reducing it from 50 to 25 overs. Ireland posted 266-9 in 46 overs — a formidable total that looked unchaseable. But the DLS method reset the target to 180 off 25. And England didn’t just chase — they dominated. Dawkins and Isaac Mohammad (Worcestershire) put on 69 in just ten overs, setting the tone. James Minto (Durham) and Ralphie Albert (Surrey) ripped through the Irish middle order with 4 wickets apiece. The win wasn’t just about runs — it was about nerve.That same day, Ireland lost to Bangladesh in a rain-affected match that ended without result. Bangladesh scored 209-7 in 37 overs, with K. Aleen and R. Hossan putting on 117. But the game never resumed. It’s a reminder: weather isn’t just a nuisance — it’s a variable that shapes careers.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Wins
This series isn’t just about trophies. It’s a scouting mission for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Ireland’s squad — featuring names like Freddie Ogilby (Bready) and Robert O’Brien (Railway Union) — is clearly building toward that. England’s selection, by contrast, feels like a long-term investment. The six uncapped players? They’re not just here to play. They’re here to prove they belong.For Middlesex, it’s a banner day: four players selected. For Yorkshire and Lancashire, it’s validation of their academy systems. And for the ECB, it’s a sign they’re moving away from the old model — where only county first-teamers got called up — toward a more meritocratic, performance-based pathway.
What’s Next?
The five matches against Bangladesh will be the real test. Their spin trio — led by A. Tamim and M. Abdullah — will challenge England’s middle order like nothing else. Can Rew handle the pressure? Will Feldman’s left-arm spin find purchase on slower pitches? And will any of the uncapped players seize the moment?The answers will come in Beckenham and Bristol. But one thing’s already clear: this isn’t just a youth series. It’s the quiet beginning of England’s next era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the six uncapped players in the England U19 squad?
The six uncapped players are Will Bennison (Yorkshire), Jamie Feldman (Middlesex), Luke Hands (Lancashire), Joe Hawkins (Derbyshire), Manny Lumsden (Hampshire), and Jack Nelson (Middlesex). All are under 19 and have shown promise in county Second Eleven or List-A cricket. None have previously represented England at U19 level, making their potential debuts a major focus of the series.
Why was Ben Dawkins chosen to captain against Ireland but not Bangladesh?
The ECB split captaincy to test different leadership styles. Dawkins, a South African-born batter with a calm temperament and strong record in high-pressure one-day matches, was selected for the one-off against Ireland — a team known for aggressive, physical play. Thomas Rew, the series’s top run-scorer in the One-Day Cup, was deemed better suited to lead through the longer Bangladesh series, where consistency and tactical discipline matter more.
How does this series relate to the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup?
This series is a key part of preparation for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Both England and Ireland are using these matches to assess players under competitive conditions. Ireland’s squad, selected by Cricket Ireland, is explicitly being groomed for the tournament. England’s selections, especially the uncapped players, are being monitored for long-term potential beyond just this series.
Which players have prior U19 international experience?
James Isbell (Middlesex) has already played for England U19s against Ireland in 2024 and India in 2025, scoring 77 in the latter. Isaac Mohammad (Worcestershire) featured in three games against India U19s earlier in 2025. These players provide vital experience in the squad, especially for younger teammates adjusting to international pressure.
Why are Middlesex players so prominent in the squad?
Middlesex has invested heavily in its youth pathway, with four players selected — Jamie Feldman, James Isbell, Sebastian Morgan, and Jack Nelson. Their success stems from a structured academy program that emphasizes early exposure to List-A cricket and high-performance training. Feldman and Nelson, both 17–18, have already competed in competitive Second Eleven matches, giving them a clear edge over peers from less-developed county systems.
What impact did rain have on the opening match?
Rain reduced the England vs. Ireland match from 50 overs to just 25, forcing a revised target of 180 under the DLS method. Ireland’s 266-9 in 46 overs became irrelevant, and England’s aggressive start — 69 runs from Dawkins and Mohammad in ten overs — turned what could have been a nervy chase into a confident win. Rain didn’t just alter the scoreline; it reshaped the narrative, proving mental toughness matters more than totals.
