Fifth Ashes Test, Sydney Cricket Ground (day four of five)
England 384: Root 160, Brook 84; Neser 4-60 & 302-8: Bethell 142*; Webster 3-51
Australia 567: Head 163, Smith 138; Tongue 3-97, Carse 3-130
England are 119 runs ahead
Jacob Bethell’s maiden century gives England faint Ashes lifeline in Sydney
Jacob Bethell produced a brilliant maiden Test and first-class century, finishing the fourth day unbeaten on 142, to hand England a slim but genuine lifeline in the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His innings, marked by control, patience and authority on a deteriorating surface, ensured England reached 302–8, holding a lead of 119 runs going into the final day.
Despite his heroics, late wickets and injury concerns mean England remain under pressure, needing both vital lower-order runs and an exceptional final-day bowling performance to prevent Australia from sealing a 4–1 series victory.
Bethell comes of age under pressure
Walking in during the first over of England’s second innings, Bethell arrived with his side still heavily behind. What followed was a display of remarkable composure for a 22-year-old. He drove elegantly through the off side, handled uneven bounce, and recovered after taking a blow to the helmet.
His innings was built around three key partnerships:
- 81 with Ben Duckett
- 102 with Harry Brook
- 45 with Jamie Smith
These stands overturned Australia’s first-innings lead and shifted the contest back towards balance. Bethell navigated the nervous nineties slowly, later moving to three figures with a confident stroke to mid-wicket, celebrating as his parents watched from the stands.
He described the milestone as “pretty special” and admitted that reaching three figures will give him “the world of confidence.”
Right adductor injury sidelines Stokes
A major storyline of the day was the injury to England captain Ben Stokes. He left the field mid-over with a right adductor injury, later returning to bat at No 8 but lasting only five deliveries, visibly unable to move freely.
This specific adductor injury goes beyond generic references to a groin problem and significantly restricted his ability to influence the match with either bat or ball, leaving England increasingly reliant on Bethell and the tail.
Beau Webster triggers evening collapse
England’s recovery unravelled during the evening session thanks to Beau Webster’s decisive 52nd over. Not a frontline spinner by trade, Webster nevertheless delivered the turning point of the day:
- he trapped Harry Brook lbw
- three balls later removed Will Jacks for a second-ball duck
- both dismissals came in the same over
This double strike represented the key collapse point, initiating a period in which England lost five wickets for 78 runs. Jamie Smith was later run out following a mix-up with Bethell, while Brydon Carse briefly counter-attacked before falling late on.
A day of promise amid a difficult tour
On a surface offering turn and inconsistent bounce, England could easily have succumbed to a heavy defeat. Instead, Bethell’s innings ensured the match stayed alive and cemented his position as England’s long-term No 3.
His performance also highlighted a lingering question: why his selection was delayed until the series was already slipping away. Now firmly established, he appears to possess both the technique and temperament required for the role.
What England need on the final day
England’s position remains precarious but competitive:
- extra runs from Bethell and the tail
- disciplined wicket-taking spells on a wearing pitch
- coping without full contributions from Stokes after his right adductor injury
Australia still hold the upper hand, yet Bethell’s unbeaten 142 has ensured that the final day carries genuine tension rather than inevitability.
More than merely a rescue act, his innings has provided the clearest positive of England’s tour and hinted at a batter seemingly born to play international cricket.
