England's Ashes tour found an unexpected new hero on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, as young batter Jacob Bethell struck a sublime, unbeaten century to defy Australia and earn glowing praise from legends of the game.
A Coming of Age Innings at the SCG
Facing a daunting first-innings deficit of 187 runs after Australia's 567, England's reply began in the worst possible way, losing a wicket in the first over. Into this pressure cooker walked 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, playing in just his sixth Test and yet to score a first-class hundred. What followed was a knock of remarkable maturity and skill. Bethell remained undefeated on 142 from 232 balls, shepherding England to 302 for eight at stumps on day four at the Sydney Cricket Ground, securing a slender lead of 115.
Praise from Legends: 'The Future' and a 'Sublime' Display
The innings immediately drew high acclaim from former England captain Sir Alastair Cook. "It was coming of age really," Cook said on TNT Sports. "My word has he taken his chance. He has just shown the future of England cricket batting wise after Joe Root because that knock of 142 was of the highest quality." Cook also credited the selectors for backing the Warwickshire all-rounder despite his modest domestic first-class record.
Former Australia coach Justin Langer was equally effusive, calling Bethell his "new favourite" after a "sublime" innings. Langer used the performance to critique England's 'Bazball' approach, stating: "Let me ask every England supporter out there was that entertaining? That is entertainment. Not running down and hitting it up in the air... That's entertainment right there."
A Technical Masterclass Echoes Through the Commentary Box
The plaudits continued across the broadcast networks. On the BBC's Test Match Special, Michael Vaughan described it as a "technical masterclass" and a "throwback" to traditional Test batting, praising Bethell's composure against a tricky pitch and Australia's attack. Ricky Ponting on Channel 7 called the knock "flawless" and "classy," while Stuart Broad simply declared: "England have found a diamond."
Bethell's performance, which ensured the final Ashes Test would go into a fifth day, has not only provided a bright spot in a difficult series for England but has also sparked a major conversation about the long-term future of the team's batting lineup.
