The Birmingham Phoenix has suffered a major blow as Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred Men’s Competition 2026 with a knee injury.
He suffered a right knee injury during England’s recent ODI series against India and has withdrawn from the Hundred following an MRI scan on Monday morning. His Participation on Test series against Pakistan also remains uncertain.
The ECB have not yet put a timeframe on his recovery, but England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, which is set to begin on August 19.
“Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred due to a right knee injury,” an England statement said. “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.”
Bethell was retained by the Birmingham Phoenix for a £340,000 contract and was named captain. Birmingham Phoenix is now under the joint ownership of Warwickshire and US investment fund Knighthead Capitals, with England footballer Jude Bellingham also a minority Stakeholder.
Speaking on missing the tournament, Jacob Bethell 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.”
With his absence, Phoenix appointed South Africa’s Donovan Ferreira as their new captain.
“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.”
Birmingham Phoenix will play their opening match against Trent Rockets on July 24 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
