Jacob Bethell has all the makings of a "generational talent" but Ollie Pope remains in possession of England's number three spot, team director Rob Key said ahead of the Ashes series in Australia.

Bethell, who turns 22 this month, became the youngest player to captain an England men's team during their Twenty20 series against Ireland in September.

Named in England's 16-man list for the five-test series in Australia, he has also been talked about as a replacement at number three for Pope, who has struggled for consistency and was replaced as vice-captain by Harry Brook.

"He (Bethell) becomes someone you're looking at in the far future, as potential leadership. Leaders aren't just your captain," Key said in an episode of the 'For The Love Of Cricket' podcast released on Tuesday.

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