Injury Blow: Jacob Bethell Ruled Out of The Hundred With Knee Injury, Now a Doubt for the Pakistan Tests
England’s rising all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred 2026 with a right knee injury — a setback that not only robs him of a first taste of franchise captaincy but also puts his availability for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan in doubt.
How it happened
Bethell picked up the injury to his right knee during England’s recently concluded ODI series win over India — a series in which he had been in fine form, most notably his 91 and a Player-of-the-Match display in the decider at Lord’s. The timing is cruel: having established himself as one of England’s most exciting young talents across formats, an injury now interrupts his momentum at exactly the wrong moment.
A captaincy opportunity missed
The withdrawal is a particular disappointment because Bethell had been set to captain Birmingham Phoenix for the first time in the 100-ball competition — valuable leadership experience for a player many see as a future England option. With Bethell sidelined, Birmingham Phoenix have moved quickly, appointing South African wicketkeeper-batter Donovan Ferreira as their new captain for the tournament.
The bigger concern: the Pakistan Tests
The ECB have not yet put a timeframe on Bethell’s recovery, which is what makes this more than just a lost Hundred campaign. England’s first Test against Pakistan begins at Headingley on 19 August — less than a month away — and Bethell is now considered a doubt. For an England side that values his all-round balance, losing him for a home Test series would be a significant blow.
What’s next
Much will depend on the scans and how the knee responds over the coming weeks. If the injury is minor, Bethell could still be in contention for the Pakistan series; if it lingers, England may have to plan without one of their brightest young all-rounders. Either way, it is a frustrating interruption for a player whose stock has never been higher.
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