On a sun-drenched day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a fresh face emerged to briefly halt Australia's march towards a comprehensive Ashes series victory. Jacob Bethell, the 22-year-old English batsman, scored a magnificent, unbeaten maiden Test century of 142 runs, single-handedly keeping his team's faint hopes alive on the fourth day of the fifth and final Test.
A Star is Born at the SCG
With England starting their second innings a daunting 183 runs behind and all-rounder Ben Stokes injured, the stage seemed set for a swift collapse. The tourists' predicament worsened immediately when Mitchell Starc trapped Zak Crawley lbw for just one in the first over, a familiar failure for England's opening partnership this series.
Yet, amidst the gloom of a likely 4-1 series defeat, Bethell provided a dazzling glimpse into England's future. Arriving at the crease early, he displayed remarkable composure and technical elegance over six hours. His innings of 142 not out from 232 balls, including 15 boundaries, was a masterclass in back-foot play and precise shot selection. It was a performance of such assured quality it belied the fact this was his first-ever hundred in first-class cricket.
England's Fightback Led by Rookie Resolve
Bethell's heroic effort was all the more crucial as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Ben Duckett contributed a solid 42, but the key wickets of Joe Root (6) and then the quick dismissals of Harry Brook and Will Jacks by Beau Webster (3-51) threatened to derail England completely.
Through it all, the gum-chewing rookie, with zinc cream smeared across his cheeks, stood firm. He repelled an unrelenting Australian attack, with Scott Boland particularly menacing. The 36-year-old seamer, a revelation this series, removed Root via DRS and later took his 20th wicket of the series by dismissing Brydon Carse late in the day.
Series Outcome Hangs in the Balance
Thanks almost entirely to Bethell's monumental knock, England reached stumps at 302 for eight, establishing a lead of 119 runs. While Australia remain overwhelming favourites to win the match and the series, Bethell has ensured they must bat again, pressing pause on their victory celebrations.
The innings also sparked questions about England's selection policy, given Bethell was left out for much of 2025 after an impressive debut in New Zealand. Regardless, on a tour of few positives for the visitors, they may have definitively found their long-term number three batsman. The final day in Sydney promises a tense conclusion, with England's slender hopes resting on Bethell's shoulders.
