Jacob Bethell to miss The Hundred 2026 after right knee injury

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of The Hundred 2026 after sustaining a right knee injury during the recent ODI series against India. Birmingham Phoenix, who had retained Bethell and named him team captain, will have to proceed without him while he begins rehabilitation.

Bethell, who represents England as an all-rounder, suffered the knee problem in the course of that ODI series against India. The injury has removed him from contention for the upcoming Hundred competition despite Birmingham Phoenix’s decision to both retain him and appoint him captain for the campaign. Following the medical assessment, he is due to start a rehabilitation programme without delay. Across his recent appearances, he mixed a number of low scores with glimpses of strong potential.

The right knee injury emerged during the recent India series and was confirmed after diagnostic procedures. Medical staff have recommended a rehabilitation schedule, and Bethell is scheduled to commence that programme promptly. The timing means he will not feature in The Hundred 2026 for Birmingham Phoenix, a significant absence given his dual role as a player and captain.

Birmingham Phoenix had retained Bethell ahead of the tournament and entrusted him with the captaincy, signalling the franchise’s faith in his leadership and cricketing abilities. Those roster plans will now require adjustment, as the team prepares for the competition without the all-rounder available. Bethell’s status as a retained player and appointed leader had made his availability an important component of Phoenix’s strategy for the season.

On the field, Bethell’s recent form drew mixed reviews: while he suffered some low scores, he also produced moments that demonstrated his talent. Those flashes of brilliance were among the reasons Phoenix kept faith in him despite inconsistent returns. The injury therefore removes both a player capable of impactful contributions and the captain designated to lead the side on the field.

Following the diagnosis and the start of his rehabilitation programme, Bethell’s immediate focus will be recovery. Birmingham Phoenix and their medical team will monitor his progress, and the squad will move forward in his absence for The Hundred 2026.