Exceptional innings from 22-year-old on challenging Sydney pitch
Jacob Bethell delivered a stunning unbeaten 142, his first ever century in first-class cricket, providing one of the few bright moments in a tough Ashes series for England. Playing in only his sixth Test, the young left-hander showed remarkable composure and skill at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He drove elegantly through the off-side with perfect timing and a straight bat, surviving a painful blow to the helmet from Cameron Green on 27. Bethell built crucial partnerships of 81 with Ben Duckett and 134 with Harry Brook, both scoring 42, to erase Australia’s 183-run first-innings lead. He spent tense moments in the 90s before reaching his hundred with a confident clip off Beau Webster, becoming just the fifth England player to score a maiden first-class century in a Test match. His celebration was emotional, with parents Graham and Giselle embracing tearfully in the stands.
Stokes injury and late-day collapse maintain Australian dominance
The fourth day began poorly when captain Ben Stokes bowled only 10 deliveries before limping off with a groin injury, likely his final appearance in an Ashes Test in Australia. Despite this, England quickly cleaned up the Australian tail, adding just 23 runs while dismissing Steve Smith for 138 and leaving Beau Webster unbeaten on 71. Australia posted 567 in their first innings.
Momentum shifted in the evening session as Webster’s off-spin exploited the turning pitch. He dismissed Brook lbw on review, induced a reckless slog from Will Jacks caught brilliantly at deep mid-wicket, and trapped a immobile Stokes at the crease. Jamie Smith was run out in a mix-up, and Brydon Carse edged Scott Boland after a quick 16. England lost five wickets for 78 runs, finishing at 302 for 8 with a slim 119-run lead. Matthew Potts remained with the heroic Bethell at stumps. While Bethell’s performance secures his future at number three and draws comparisons to a young Stokes, Australia remain heavy favourites to complete a 4-1 series victory on the final day.
