Jacob Bethell scored a magnificent maiden Test century on the fourth day of the final Ashes Test in Sydney, offering England a rare bright spot on an otherwise bleak tour. The 22-year-old left-hander reached his hundred from 184 balls, striking 15 fours in an innings of pure elegance and composure under pressure.
Bethell's knock helped England reach 302 for eight at stumps, a lead of 119 runs, after they had been set a daunting target. He walked off unbeaten on 142 from 232 balls, having faced a hostile Australian attack and a nasty blow to the head from Cameron Green without flinching. His innings was the first time a specialist England batter had scored their maiden first-class century in a Test match.
England's reply began poorly, with Zak Crawley falling lbw to Mitchell Starc for a duck. Ben Duckett made 42, his highest score of the series, before Joe Root struggled to six from 37 balls. Harry Brook added 42 in a 102-run stand with Bethell, but after tea, part-time off-spinner Beau Webster struck three key wickets, including Brook lbw and Will Jacks holing out second ball.
Captain Ben Stokes, struggling with a groin injury, hobbled out to bat but fell fifth ball, edging Webster to slip. He is unlikely to bowl on the final day. Jamie Smith made 26 before being run out in a mix-up with Bethell, but the youngster held firm as Scott Boland (two for 34) and the Australian attack pressed for victory.
Bethell's hundred has revived hopes that England may have found a long-term solution at number three. With the series already lost 4-1, his performance offers a glimpse of a brighter future for the Test side.
