In a display of immense grit and maturity, young English batter Jacob Bethell carved out a magnificent, unbeaten century on Wednesday to single-handedly drag his team back into contention on Day 4 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His flawless knock of 142 not out propelled England to 302 for 8 at stumps, giving the visitors a slender but significant lead of 119 runs and setting up a thrilling final day.
Bethell's Heroic Stand Rescues England
Facing a massive first-innings deficit of 183 runs after Australia posted 567, England's second innings began disastrously. Mitchell Starc struck in the very first over, dismissing Zak Crawley for just one run. Joe Root's struggles continued as he fell for six, and Ben Duckett, after being dropped on 38, was bowled for 42. With the top order crumbling, the responsibility fell on the shoulders of the 22-year-old Bethell.
Showing composure that belied his years and experience, the left-hander anchored the innings with remarkable patience. He brought up his maiden Test hundred in style, taking 162 deliveries to reach the milestone. Remarkably, this was not only his first Test century but also his first in first-class red-ball cricket, surpassing his previous best of 96. He remained immovable at the crease, guiding England past Australia's total shortly after tea.
Australia Fights Back With Late Wickets
Just as England looked to build a commanding position, Australia's Beau Webster sparked a collapse. Shortly after Bethell's century, Webster struck twice in three balls, removing the dangerous Harry Brook for 42 and Will Jacks for a duck. The tourists' troubles were compounded by a disastrous run-out that sent Jamie Smith back for 24.
The biggest blow came when England's inspirational captain, Ben Stokes, who had earlier limped off the field with a suspected groin injury while bowling, came in at number seven. Stokes survived only five balls before falling to Webster. At the other end, Matthew Potts was yet to score at the close of play, with Bethell standing tall on an unbeaten 142.
Series Context and Final Day Prospects
Despite England's fightback, Australia has already retained the Ashes urn, holding an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. However, the visitors are chasing a morale-boosting victory to end the tour on a high, following their win in Melbourne. Australia's first innings was built around commanding centuries from Travis Head (163) and captain Steve Smith (138).
The final day at the SCG promises high drama. With a lead of 119 and only two wickets in hand, England will rely on Bethell to stretch the advantage as much as possible. Australia, needing to chase a target, will back its strong batting lineup but will be wary of a pitch that might offer assistance to the bowlers. The match is delicately poised for a nail-biting conclusion to what has been a fiercely contested Ashes series.
